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The 15 Royal marines seized at gunpoint by Iranian troops in the Persian Gulf last Friday, were less than two months ago enjoying a relaxing holiday in Malta.
HMS Cornwall, the British navy vessel at the centre of the current crisis, entered the Grand Harbour on February 6 for a three-day courtesy visit before leaving to take up its role in Operation Telic, the defence of Iraq’s oil industry in the North Arabian Gulf.
The UK Ministry of Defence has not released the names of the 15 abducted Royal marines, who have since been moved to Tehran. However, it is understood that some, if not all, would have been on shore leave in Malta six weeks ago, enjoying the sights and sounds of Paceville.
The crew of HMS Cornwall also engaged in a number of sporting operations as part of their Malta drill. This involved losing to the Qormi International under-23 hockey team, and beating the Overseas Rugby Union Football club 45-5.
Commanding Officer Jeremy Woods said, “Malta has proved to be an excellent visit. The local people have been particularly welcoming and are clearly proud of Malta’s links with the Royal Navy. This has been an excellent opportunity for my people to have a final rest before the tempo increases as we make our way towards the Gulf.”
The seizure of the 15 marines has precipitated a diplomatic crisis between the UK and Iran, whose relations are already strained because of Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear programme. Tehran claims that the marines were arrested for straying into Iranian territorial waters, but this has been denied by the British naval command.
British foreign secretary Margaret Beckett has demanded their immediate safe release, in a stand-off that risks escalating into further conflict.
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