London: British Foreign Secretary William Hague says a ship that was believed to be carrying military helicopters to Syria appears to have turned back after its insurer removed its coverage.

Hague told British lawmakers on Tuesday that the MV Alaed has "turned back now apparently toward Russia."

UK-based insurer Standard Club said in a statement that it had been made aware that the ship then off the Scottish coast was carrying munitions destined for Syria, in clear breach of its rules.

The Foreign Office confirmed it was aware that a ship carrying a consignment of refurbished Russian-made attack helicopters was heading to Syria.