I write in response to the letter, “Iranian boat situation handled properly,” (Feb. 2). It is irrelevant how the boats ended up in the situation they did. And the letter is absolutely wrong about the response of the U.S. Coast Guard. Under Maritime Law, if a vessel breaks down and drifts into any other country's coastal waters, assistance is required to be provided to either help them repair their vessel or assist their government to make repairs and return to their home.

The American military is not at all like the religious extremists in Iran who take great pleasure in attempting to humiliate the United States. Furthermore, the Navy lieutenant who gave information to the Iranians and apologized for the actions of him and his crew committed a gross violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which requires a prisoner to give only his name, rank and serial number. Anything else is a Court Martial offense and should be held as soon as possible.

Charles B. Clark

Groton