Women deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph returns safely from seized vessel MSC Aries: Indian mission & MEA

Ann Tessa Joseph, a deck cadet among 17 Indian nationals aboard the seized vessel MSC Aries, has safely returned home, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.

The Ministry stated, "With the coordinated 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 container vessel MSC Aries, has landed safely at the Cochin International Airport today afternoon. At the airport, Ms. Joseph was received by the Regional Passport Officer, Cochin."

Additionally, the Ministry assured that India remains in constant communication with the remaining 16 Indian crew members who are still on board the ship.

"The Indian Mission in Tehran remains seized of the matter and is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel. The crew members are in good health and in contact with their family members in India," the statement added.

The Indian Mission has also been actively engaging with the Iranian authorities to ensure the well-being of the remaining crew members of MSC Aries. Earlier, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar had a conversation with his Iranian counterpart Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian regarding this matter.

The incident took place on April 13 when Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship, MSC Aries, in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, with 17 Indian crew members, was reportedly detained by Iranian authorities for allegedly violating maritime laws.

Iran's Perspective

The Iranian foreign ministry stated that the seizure was due to the ship's violation of maritime laws. Tehran also expressed certainty that the vessel had connections with Israel, adding to the complexities in the region.

Escalating Tensions in the Middle East

The incident reflects the heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the context of Israel's actions in Gaza since October. This has led to clashes involving Israeli or American forces against Iranian-aligned groups in various countries across the region, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.