New Delhi: An Indian crew member aboard a ship that was seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz five days ago, returned home Thursday, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Indian deck cadet, Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur in Kerala, was one of the crew members of the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel, MSC Aries.
Sources in the Iranian embassy said the remaining 16 Indian crew, out of a total of 25, have not been detained and were still on the ship “under the command of the captain”.
Iran is willing to facilitate their travel back to India should they want to leave the ship, the sources added. The ship’s crew comprises Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Russian and Estonian nationals.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region after Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel last week.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had repeatedly said his country would respond to the attack. Meanwhile, Israel’s war against Hamas continues to rage in Gaza.
Also read: Indian officials will be allowed to meet 17 crew members of seized ship soon, says Iran
In a statement Thursday, the MEA said: “With the concerted efforts of Indian Mission in Tehran and the Iranian Government, Indian deck cadet Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, who was among the Indian crew members of container vessel MSC Aries, has landed safely at the Cochin International Airport today afternoon.”
The Indian embassy in Iran is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel who are “in good health” and in touch with their family members in India, the statement added.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar heaped praise on the Indian embassy in Tehran for facilitating Joseph’s return.
Great work, @India_in_Iran . Glad that Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph has reached home. #ModiKiGuarantee always delivers, at home or abroad. https://t.co/VxYMppcPZr
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2024
A day after the ship’s “seizure”, Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and sought the release of the 17 Indian nationals onboard.
MSC Aries was sailing from the UAE to Mumbai, according to maritime analytics provider Marine Traffic. The ship is believed to be owned by London-based Zodiac Maritime, which is a part of billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group. Ofer was born in Israel.
On rising hostilities between Iran and Israel, Jaishankar, during the phone conversation, also called for de-escalation, restraint and returning to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.
Earlier this week, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had written to Jaishankar to ensure the safety of the Indian nationals, most of whom were from Kerala. (EOM)
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
Also read: Iran seizes Israel-affiliated container ship in Persian Gulf, 17 Indians among crew