Homecoming 'dream come true' - crew - News in brief

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In a joint statement after an emotional reunion with friends and families at the Royal Marines Base Chivenor in Devon, the 14 men and one woman also said that the welcome they had enjoyed was one they would never forget.

Speaking for the first time on British soil about their 13-day ordeal in Iran they added: "By staying together as a team we kept our spirits up drawing great comfort from the knowledge that our loved ones would be awaiting for us on our return to the UK."

In individual comments Operator Mechanic Arthur Batchelor said: "We started this thing together as a team and I am glad to have been reunited with our families as a team."

Meanwhile, Operator Mechanic Nathan Summers said: "It is only now that we are home that we have found out just how much support we have had and we still have."

Later Marines' spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Andy Price confirmed some of the naval personnel may have been left in solitary confinement during their stay in Iran.

Mr Price said: "There were times when they were left alone, but we will not go into any further detail until tomorrow."

The service personnel were enjoying drinks and food with family and were said to be "in good spirits" at the Army mess.

They are due to be involved in a medical on Friday morning.

A spokesman added: "Some of them are very buoyant and upbeat while others are more emotional. They haven't slept for 36 hours."