Ann Tessa Joseph a deck cadet, the only woman among 17 Indian crew members of an Israel-affiliated cargo vessel, seized by Iran, was released and flew into Cochin international airport on Thursday afternoon. The external affairs ministry said in a statement that she was freed through the “concerted efforts” of the Indian embassy in Tehran and the Iranian government.
“Indian deck cadet Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, a member of the crew vessel MSC Aries returned home today”, wrote MEA on X.
The 17 Indians were among the 25- crew member of the container ship MSC Aries, seized by a Special Forces unit of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13. Iran’s foreign ministry stated this week that the vessel was seized for violating maritime laws.
Randhir Jaiswal, External Affairs ministry spokesperson posted on X that Joseph’s return to India was facilitated by Indian Embassy with the “support of Iranian authorities”. A photo of Joseph being received at Cochin airport by the regional passport officer was shared by Jaiswal. The Indian Embassy in Tehran is working out with the Iranian side to ensure the safety of the remaining 16 Indian crew members; who are in good health and in contact with their family members in India, the external affairs ministry said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on April 14 had raised the release of the Indian seafarers on a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Amir-Abdollahian had stated at the time that Indian officials will be allowed to meet the Indian crew members.
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