Indian Crew Member, Held by Iran, Returns Home: a Woman’s Journey

The Indian mission in Tehran and the Iranian government worked together to ensure the safe return of Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala. She was part of the Indian crew aboard the container vessel MSC Aries, and has now arrived safely at Cochin International Airport, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. In addition, the Indian mission in Tehran continues to address the situation and is in contact with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel.

The Ministry of External Affairs mentioned that the crew members are in good health and maintaining communication with their families in India. The Indian government also stated that it is coordinating with Iranian authorities to ensure the well-being of the remaining crew members. After Ms. Joseph’s return to India, Foreign Minister Jaishankar commended the Indian mission in Iran for their efforts, expressing his satisfaction with her safe arrival.

The Foreign Minister stated, “Great work, Indian mission in Iran. Glad that Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph has reached home. Modi ki guarantee always delivers, at home or abroad.”

Against this backdrop, the vessel’s seizure occurred amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, including apprehensions of a potential Israeli counterattack on Iran. The situation escalated after Iran launched 300 missiles at Israel, prompting Israel to strike the consular section of Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Syria, resulting in casualties. Iran has associated the vessel with the “Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf”.

According to online sources that track shipping traffic, MSC Aries is a Portuguese-flagged container ship, with its last known position reported in the Gulf.