Today: 13 June 2025
4 May 2024
2 mins read

Iran Frees All Crew, Including 17 Indians, Of Seized Vessel

The Israel-linked cargo ship was seized by Iran on April 13, with 17 Indian nationals onboard.

Iran has released all crew members of the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MSC Aries, which had 17 Indians aboard among 25 crews.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian held a telephone conversation with its Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna on Friday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

During a telephone conversation between Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the two sides discussed the latest state of bilateral ties and regional developments.

Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, one of the 17 Indian crew members of the Israel-linked cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ that was seized by Iran on April 13, returned safely to her homeland on April 18.

The Israel-linked cargo ship was seized by Iran on April 13, with 17 Indian nationals onboard. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized the container ship near the Strait of Hormuz and MSC Aries was last seen on April 12, sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai.

The Ministry of External Affairs recently said that one of the 17 Indian crew members has safely returned to India and others are safe, adding that they will be released once their contractual obligations are accomplished.

“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, Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly press briefing on April 25.

Iranian Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, has also said that the Indian nationals, crew members of MSC Aries, are not detained and that they are free to go.

In the wake of the seizure of the container vessel, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, bringing up the release of the 17 Indian crew members.

Responding to the request of the Estonian side regarding the Portuguese ship seized in the territorial waters of Iran and the release of the crew, Amirabdollahian said, “The ship, which turned off its radar in the territorial waters of Iran and endangered the security of navigation, is detained under judicial rules.”

Earlier today, during the telephone discussion between Iranian and Estonian officials, Iran stated that it “has already released all the ship’s crew members on humanitarian grounds, and if the ship’s captain accompanies them, the crew including the Estonians can return to their country.”

Amirabdollahian further underlined that compliance with maritime rules and regulations by all ships is necessary and unavoidable in order to maintain maritime safety, according to the statement.

Tensions escalated between Iran and the West amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. (ANI)

ALSO READ: UAE, Iran to boost cooperation in new economy sectors

Previous Story

Erdogan: Trade Pause To Pressure Israel For Ceasefire

Next Story

Indian Navy Helps Pakistani Crew Onboard Iranian Fishing Vessel

Latest from -Top News

UN Demands Gaza Ceasefire

The resolution, adopted on Thursday, demands “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, to be respected by all parties.”…reports Asian Lite News The General Assembly, at an Emergency Special Session, adopted a resolution

India thanks UAE’s support

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s UAE visit blended high-level diplomacy and cultural outreach, reaffirming India-UAE strategic ties while honouring shared values at the landmark BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Foreign Secretary Vikram

Dubai Unveils Visa Megacentre

Spanning nearly 150,000 square feet, the Dubai Visa Application Centre has the capacity to process up to 10,000 applications daily, making it the highest-capacity visa processing centre at a single location in

UK Showcases Emirati Talent

Rajai Khouri, Founder of PPT, praised the Kensington Palace concert as a historic first for the Trust and ADMAF. “It was the first collaboration with Emirati artists and featured the world premiere

Misri in Abu Dhabi, Terror Fight Tops Agenda

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance in Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday met Sheikh Nahyan bin
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Apple Seeks to Source iPhone 16 Batteries From India

Foxconn plans to invest $1.54 billion in India. In a

Reliance forays into snacking biz

For the first time ever, snackers in India can enjoy