Bloomberg: A female U.K. sailor who was among a group of Britons seized by Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf was shown on Iranian television today. By Nick Allen and Mark Deen
March 28 (Bloomberg) — A female U.K. sailor who was among a group of Britons seized by Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf was shown on Iranian television today.
Faye Turney, 26, wearing a black headscarf and smoking a cigarette, said her group had “obviously trespassed” into Iranian waters before their capture on March 23. The Iranians had been “friendly and hospitable,” she said.
“They were thoughtful, nice people and they explained to us why we had been arrested. There was no aggression, no hurt, no harm. They were very compassionate,” Turney said.
Turney was the only woman among eight British sailors and seven Marines taken. Other members of the group were also shown in the footage wearing their uniforms and eating a meal after their capture. They weren’t interviewed. The video was aired by Al-Alam, a Tehran-based Arabic language news channel.
“It is completely unacceptable for these pictures to be shown on television,” the U.K. Foreign Office said in a statement read over the phone. “There is no doubt our personnel were seized in Iraqi waters. We expect immediate consular access as a prelude to the release of the personnel and their equipment.”
Al-Alam also broadcast footage of a letter said to have been written by Turney to her family, including her young daughter Molly. In the letter Turney said her group had “apparently” crossed into Iranian waters.
“I’m so sorry we did because I know we wouldn’t be here now if we hadn’t,” the letter said. “I want you all to know that I am well and safe.”
According to the letter, Turney said she was being given three meals a day and plenty of fluids.
“Please don’t worry about me. I’m staying strong,” the letter said. “Hopefully it won’t be long till I’m home to get ready for Molly’s birthday party and with a present from the Iranian people.”
