Indian Crew Member Released from Iranian-Seized Ship Returns Home

The Indian mission in Tehran, in cooperation with the Iranian government, successfully facilitated the safe return of Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala. She was among the Indian crew members of container vessel MSC Aries and has landed safely at Cochin International Airport.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed this in a post on X. The Indian mission in Tehran is also actively engaging with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the vessel, who are reported to be in good health and in contact with their families in India.

The Indian government is in touch with the Iranian authorities to ensure the well-being of the remaining crew members. Following Ms. Joseph’s arrival in India, Foreign Minister Mr. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for the Indian mission in Iran and emphasized the successful return of Ms. Joseph.

The seizure of the vessel coincides with heightened tensions in the Middle East, with apprehensions of potential Israeli-Iranian conflict. Iran had launched missiles at Israel and faced a counterattack, leading to fatalities, with Israel striking the consular section of Iran’s embassy in Syria’s Damascus.

The vessel in question, MSC Aries, has been linked by Iran to the “Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf”. Tracking websites have reported its last position in the Gulf.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts underway to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members and manage potential geopolitical implications.