The weather was bad causing negligible visibility which may have contributed to a potential crossing of the Iranian border by the Royal Navy. After the crew were returned and events analysed the British government affirmed its belief that the personnel were actually still in Iraqi waters, however they consigned the incident to a misunderstanding and requested the return of the equipment. In 2015, an FOIA request released a redacted report.
The adverse weather conditions reduced visibility significantly, which might have prompted Royal Navy personnel to cross into Iranian territory. Upon returning the crew and reviewing the events, the British government believed that the individuals were still in Iraqi waters; however, they considered this an oversight and asked for the equipment's return. In 2015, an FOIA request led to the release of a redacted report.