CREW TREATED WELL BY IRANIAN AUTHORITIES, SAYS KERALA WOMAN RELEASED FROM SEIZED SHIP

Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph, a crew member of the Israeli-flagged merchant ship seized by Iran, who was released by Iranian authorities and reached her home in Kottayam in Kerala, said that the Iranian authorities treated the crew really well.

Speaking to reporters after reaching her home on Thursday, she said, "Even though they (Iranian authorities) seized the ship, they treated the crew really well. Food was not an issue. We used to eat and then return to the cabin. They didn't have any intention to harm the crew."

Ann Joseph, 25, is among the 17 Indian nationals who were onboard the container vessel MSC Aries when it was seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz last week.

She said that the Iranian authorities also made arrangements for the sailors to communicate with their respective families, according to news agency PTI.

"I was released early probably as I was the only woman onboard the ship," Joseph said.

She expressed gratitude to everyone, including the External Affairs Ministry, who helped in her release.

Ann Joseph said that everyone onboard the ship was aware of the tensions between Israel and Iran, but never expected that such a thing would happen to them.

She further said that the consulate had told her that the remaining 16 Indians, including three from Kerala, would be released soon.

Apart from Ann Tessa, the other crew from Kerala include, second officer PV Dhanesh, 32, from Mananthavady in Wayanad, second engineer Shyam Nath, 31, from Mavoor in Kozhikode and third engineer S Sumesh, 31, from Keralassery in Palakkad.

On being asked if she would return to the field after this incident, she said, ""I took up this job because I desired to work in this field. So, I will definitely go back to work in this field."

Iran's Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi told India Today TV on Tuesday that all the 17 Indians who were on board the ship were safe. He added that the weather situation in the Persian Gulf is not good and the Indians on the ship will be sent home once the weather clears.

Iran seized the Israeli flagged ship on April 13 amid the growing tensions between the two countries after Iran fired over 300 missiles and drones over Israel.

2024-04-18T21:41:38Z dg43tfdfdgfd