Statement from Andrew Pindar OBE, Chairman of Sail Bahrain:

“We received confirmation from the Foreign Office at 0830 this morning that our sailors had been released by the Iranian authorities. We are all absolutely thrilled with the news.

It has been an extremely worrying time for all of us and particularly for the families and loved ones of those on board.

The team has sent out a boat to meet the crew, where our Team Director, Nick Crabtree is looking forward to accompanying them safely to shore.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Foreign Office and the British and Bahrain Embassies for all their help and for bringing the matter to a swift conclusion and to the Iranian authorities for their understanding.”