United States authorities are investigating a complaint by a Bermudian sailor who claims he was wrongly charged hundreds of dollars to enter the US on a private yacht.

Antony Siese, a British national with Bermuda status, says he was stopped last month by US Customs and Immigration in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, having sailed from Bermuda on the SY Mantra.

Mr. Siese claims Immigration officers gave him a choice: pay a $545 visa waiver or be escorted to Boston's Logan Airport for the next flight back to Bermuda.

He also alleges that he was denied the opportunity to make a phone call to the US Consulate in Bermuda.

Mr. Siese paid the $545 fine, but is now seeking a refund as he believes his paperwork was in order.

He completed the mandatory electronic visa waiver online in January, and filled out an I-94 Non-Immigrant Visa Waiver. He was travelling with a British passport, stamped 'Holder is registered as a Bermudian'.

While US Customs and Border Protection was unable to comment on the specifics of Mr. Siese's case, a representative confirmed it was being investigated.

"Traveller privacy prohibits me from specifically discussing individual traveller's processing," said public affairs liaison Mike Balero. "This will be researched to ensure that Mr. Siese was processed correctly and treated in a professional manner."

Mr. Balero told The Royal Gazette that Bermudians are generally only required to present a valid passport to enter the US by land or sea, and acknowledged that there could have been some confusion at Immigration due to Mr. Siese's British passport. Citizens of the UK are required to apply under the US' Visa Waiver Programme before entering the country.

Mr. Siese's MP John Barritt confirmed that he is looking into the situation, citing his concern that Bermudian sailors may find themselves in similar trouble while competing in races like the Marion to Bermuda, which starts on June 19.

US Customs and Border Protection's Mr. Balero said that one of his department's field officers would be in touch with Mr. Siese within 60 days to discuss his complaint.