Boats, guns and tea: Iran releases video of detaining US sailors

A video released by Iran shows the moment 10 US sailors were taken into custody as their boats crossed into the country’s waters on Tuesday, and their treatment during the brief detention.

Dressed in camouflage uniforms, the sailors can be seen kneeling on the deck of the patrol boat, with hands on their heads. They are then shown seated in a room, being given tea, bottled water and food by their Iranian hosts.

Another clip shows the various armaments and ammunition found on the two boats, including rifles, machine guns and handguns. Iranians also inspected the equipment and electronics on the two Swedish-made CB-90 fast attack boats.

The two vessels were on their way from Kuwait to the US naval base in Bahrain, when they experienced mechanical problems and drifted into Iranian waters, according to the Pentagon. The incident occurred near Farsi Island, where the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has a naval base.

All 10 sailors were returned to US custody on Wednesday. US officials credited the diplomatic channels established during the nuclear talks last year for the quick resolution of the incident. It remains unclear whether the boats and the equipment were returned as well.

Known as the Riverine Command Boats (RCB), the vessels are often used to transport infantry and special operations forces. The CB-90s are approximately 50 feet (15.25 meters) long and can reach speeds up to 40 knots, according to specifications released by the Swedish Navy.