Lost passport delays captive duty

Arthur Batchelor was one of two captives to sell their story

One of the British sailors held by Iran has had to delay rejoining his ship after misplacing his passport.

Some of HMS Cornwall's 15 sailors and marines seized while on anti-smuggling patrol in March were due to return to their ship this week.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said Operator Mechanic Arthur Batchelor's return was delayed due to an administrative problem.

The 20-year-old, from Plymouth, was the youngest of the captured personnel.

Their passports remained aboard their ship during their 13-day ordeal and were returned to their bases in Britain after they were released, according to newspaper reports.

OM Batchelor is thought to have lost his after it was returned with the rest of his kit to Royal Marines Base Chivenor in north Devon.

An MoD spokesman said: "OM Batchelor was due to rejoin the ship but this has been delayed due to an administrative problem."

OM Batchelor came under criticism for being one of two hostages' to sell their story to newspapers and for being pictured in a Plymouth nightclub making light of his experiences.