Indian female cadets from seized ship MSC Aries return home, MEA says, remaining crew in ‘good health’

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Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph, who was part of the 17 Indian crew members on MSC Aries that was seized by Iranian forces over the weekend, returned to Cochin on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The Ministry of External Affairs also said that the Indian Mission in Tehran is in touch with Iranian authorities to ensure the well-being of the remaining 16 crew members of MSC Aries.

Joseph, who hails from Thrissur in Kerala, landed safely at the Cochin International Airport on Thursday afternoon, where she was welcomed by the Cochin Regional Passport Officer.

“With the concerted efforts of the 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 the container ship MSC Aries, disembarked safely at Cochin International Airport today. At the airport, the Regional Passport Officer, Cochin welcomed Joseph,” the ministry said in a statement.

Read this also MSC Aries: Indian Embassy officials in Iran to soon meet 17 sailors aboard the seized ship

The Ministry of External Affairs also said that the crew members are in good health and are in touch with their family members in India.

“The Indian Mission in Tehran is aware of the matter and is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container ship. The crew members are in good health and in touch with their family members in India,” the ministry said in a statement. Are.” ,

It said the Indian mission is also in touch with Iranian authorities to ensure the well-being of the remaining crew members of MSC Aries.

Special naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) seized MSC Aries on April 13, reportedly because of its ties to Israel.

Earlier, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar had talked to his Iranian counterpart Amir Abdullahian on this matter four days ago.

MSC Aries, the cargo ship seized by Iran off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, belongs to Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer. It also had crews from other countries including Russia, Pakistan, Philippines and Estonia.