5 Indian crew members on ship seized by Iran released
PTC News Desk: Five of the Indian crew members of an Israeli-linked vessel seized by Tehran have been released and have departed from Iran, according to the Indian embassy in Iran.
While conveying information of their release, the Indian Embassy hailed the Iranian authorities for working closely with the Embassy and Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas.
MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to X and said, "5 of the Indian sailors on MSC Aries have been released and departed from Iran today evening. We appreciate the Iranian authorities for their close coordination with the Embassy and Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas."
On April 13, Iran seized the Israel-linked cargo ship, which was carrying 17 Indian people.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy captured the container ship near the Strait of Hormuz, and MSC Aries was last seen on April 12 sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz off Dubai's coast.
Earlier, one of the 17 Indian crew members of the Israel-linked cargo ship 'MSC Aries' that was seized by Iran on April 13, Ann Tessa Joseph from Kerala's Thrissur returned safely to her homeland on April 18.
"One girl who was there has returned. We had asked for consular access for these 16 people and we received that and our officers met them. Their health is good and there is no problem of any kind on the ship. Concerning their return, there are some technicalities and contractual obligations. Once they are done, it will decide their return," MEA spokesperson said on April 25.
- With inputs from agencies
