Ship 'carrying attack helicopters to Syria' halted off Scotland heads for Russia Published duration 19 June 2012

image caption The ship was allegedly carrying Russian-made attack helicopters

The UK has made moves to stop a cargo vessel allegedly carrying refurbished Russian-made attack helicopters from completing its journey to Syria.

The MV Alaed had its insurance withdrawn by The Standard Club in London while it was about 50 miles (80.4km) off Scotland's north coast.

Withdrawal of insurance had prevented the MV Alaed from sailing until its owner could secure new cover.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said the ship was returning to Russia.

Mr Hague told the House of Commons: "We have in place a European Union arms embargo on Syria.

"We discourage anyone else from supplying arms to Syria.

"We've had discussions with Russia about that specifically and I'm pleased that the ship that was reported to be carrying arms to Syria has now turned back apparently towards Russia."

It was thought that the vessel had stopped for a time off the Western Isles, before later passing Shetland as it headed for Russia.

The Russian embassy in London has not yet commented.

The UK and US have raised concerns with Russia about shipments of weapons to Syria, which is subject to a European Union arms embargo.

In a statement earlier, the FCO said: "We are aware of a ship carrying a consignment of refurbished Russian-made attack helicopters heading to Syria.

"The foreign secretary made clear to Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov when they met on 14 June that all defence shipments to Syria must stop.

"We are working closely with international partners to ensure that we are doing all we can to stop the Syrian regime's ability to slaughter civilians being reinforced through assistance from other countries."

'Carrying weapons'

The Standard Club said it believed the MV Alaed had been off the coast of the Western Isles when insurance was withdrawn.

It said the cover was withdrawn because the owners of the ship had "broken internal rules" of the club - a mutual insurance association - and not on the instructions of the UK government.

The club said it had sought more information on the boat's cargo.

In a statement, it said: "We were informed on Friday evening that the ship might be carrying weapons, in particular attack helicopters, missiles and non-specific munitions, and we are making inquiries to establish what their side of the story is.

image caption HMS York tracked Russian vessels sheltering in the Moray Firth last year

"There are exclusion clauses in our cover and, for anyone involved in improper or unlawful trade, we can cancel cover.

"We are investigating whether or not to do so in this case."

The Ministry of Defence said no UK military assets - neither ships or aircraft - had been shadowing the MV Alaed.

In December last year , Russian warships and support vessels believed to have been headed for Syria took shelter in Scotland's Moray Firth during bad weather.