In pictures: Iran detains sailors

Iran's capture of 15 Royal Navy personnel from HMS Cornwall who were inspecting a cargo boat sparked a diplomatic crisis.

Iran's ambassador, Rasoul Movahedian, was called to the Foreign Office in London to explain Iran's actions.

Footage of Leading Seaman Turney being interviewed was shown on Iranian television.

Iran released three letters which it alleged were written by Leading Seaman Faye Turney in custody.

Iranian TV broadcast an interview with a second crewman, Nathan Summers, who apologised for "trespassing" in Iranian waters.

President George W Bush condemned Iran's "inexcusable behaviour" and said he would "strongly support" the British government over the crisis.

Iranians threw rocks and firecrackers at the British embassy in Tehran in protest at what they said was the illegal entry into their waters by UK navy personnel.

Royal Marine Capt Chris Air, one of the 15 held, was seen on the Al-Alam satellite channel, saying Iranian maps apparently showed the group was inside Iranian territorial waters.

Two of the British Navy personnel were shown by Al-Alam television with a chart of the Gulf waters apparently indicating the disputed point where the group was captured.

On Wednesday 4 April, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad held a news conference in Tehran at which he gave medals to commanders who captured the 15.

Mr Ahmadinejad waited until the end of the conference to announce that the 15 would be released as a "gift" to Britain.

Iranian media said the crew "shouted for joy" at the news that they were to be released

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