Woman crew member of merchant vessel MSC Airies seized by Iran returns to India
| 2024-04-18
Ann Tessa Joseph, who was among the Indian crew members of container vessel MSC Aries, landed safely at the Cochin International
The Indian Mission in Tehran is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel, says MEA
A female cadet who was among the 17 Indian crew members of a container vessel seized by the Iranian forces on April 13, 2024, has returned to India.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph, who is from Thrissur, Kerala, and was among the Indian crew members of container vessel MSC Aries, landed safely at the Cochin International Airport on Thursday (April 18, 2024) afternoon. She was received by the Regional Passport Officer, Cochin.
According to the MEA, this was made possible by the concerted efforts of the Indian Mission in Tehran and the Iranian Government. The Indian mission is in touch with the remaining Indian crew members on board MSC Airies, who are said to be in good health.
"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 MEA said.
The Indian Mission is also in touch with the Iranian authorities in ensuring the well-being of the remaining crew members of MSC Aries, the MEA added.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken to his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, on the matter during a telephonic conversation on April 14, 2024. "Spoke to Iranian FM. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch," EAM Jaishankar said on social media platform X.
According to news reports, the ship is owned by an Israeli businessman and flies the Portuguese flag. It is said to have been leased for operations by a Swiss company and had 25 crew members on board when it was seized by Iranian special forces off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on April 13, 2024.
A day later, Iran launched an unprecedented attack against Israel late on April 14, 2024, firing nearly 300 drones and missiles. The Israeli military said that 99 percent of the drones and missiles had been intercepted.
The ship’s capture and the subsequent attack came amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran after an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian mission in Damascus on April 1, 2024, killing 16 people including senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates: Missiles Exchanged Amidst Mossad-Led Strikes
Tensions soar as Israel and Iran exchange missile strikes. Israel targets nuclear sites, Iran retaliates with ballistic missile barrage, raising war fears.
| 2025-06-14
Iran Summons UK Diplomat Over Arrests of Nationals in Terror Probes
Iran protests UK arrests of its nationals over terror charges, calling the move baseless and politically motivated. Three Iranians face national security charges.
| 2025-05-19
India and Iran Discuss Chabahar Port Amid Regional Tensions
India’s NSA Ajit Doval and Iran’s Ali Akbar Ahmadian discussed expanding cooperation on the Chabahar port and regional stability amid India-Pakistan tensions.
| 2025-05-19
Qatar Airways Profit Surges 28% to $2.1 Billion on Global Expansion
Qatar Airways reports a record $2.1 billion profit, driven by international investments and a landmark aircraft and engine deal with Boeing and GE Aerospace.
| 2025-05-19
Haj Flights Resume Between Saudi Arabia and Iran After Eight-Year Pause
Flynas restarts haj flights from Iran for the first time since 2015, signalling improved Saudi-Iran relations after a Chinese-brokered deal in 2023.
| 2025-05-19