The 10 U.S. sailors detained by Iran this month arrived in San Diego on Sunday night, according to a Navy release.
The sailors will begin the third phase of their reintegration process now that they’ve reached their home port, which includes reuniting with families, more debriefings and any necessary medical care. The Navy press release said all sailors are in good health.
The sailors were detained by Iran on Jan. 12 after accidentally sailing into Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf due to navigational errors. Armed Iranians boarded the two Navy riverine boats near Farsi Island and kept the sailors overnight, releasing them once it was light out, according to a Navy timeline of events.
It’s still unclear what specifically led the boats to stray from their planned course. An investigation that began Jan. 14 is still going on, the release said.
“Our sailors are being reintegrated with dignity and professionalism,” said Rear Adm. Frank Morneau, head of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. “My top priority is the health, welfare and well-being of our shipmates as they return to duty.”
A post-incident inventory of the two ships found that two SIM cards were missing from satellite phones.
