Can Indian Crew Members Return from Seized Cargo Ship? Iran’s Ambassador Provides Clarification

The Portuguese flagged container ship MSC Aries and its crew were seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards near the Strait of Hormuz on April 13. Iran claimed the vessel is “related to the Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf”. The crew members are not detained and are under the command of the ship’s captain.

Today, a crew member named deck cadet Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph, who is a resident of Kerala’s Thrissur, returned home. The Indian Consul General in Bandar Abbas facilitated her return. The Indian mission in Tehran is also in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel to ensure their well-being.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had discussed the issue with his Iranian counterpart Amir Abdollahian. The Indian ministry posted images of the sailor on social media after she landed in India. The post mentioned that the mission is in touch with the Iranian side to ensure the well-being of the remaining crew members.

The crew members are reported to be in good health and are in contact with their family members in India.