INDIAN WOMEN ON BOARD SHIP SEIZED BY IRAN RELEASED

NEW DELHI: The Indian woman crew member on board the container vessel, which was seized by Iran for its links with Israel, has been released by Iranian authorities. The Indian embassy in Tehran is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members and is hopeful that they will also be released soon.

“With the concerted efforts of Indian mission in Tehran and the Iranian govt, 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,” said the Indian govt in a statement.

The Indian embassy in Tehran remains seized of the matter and is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel, it added. The crew members are in good health and in contact with their family members in India, according to the govt.

Speaking to TOI after her arrival in Kochi, Ann Tessa Joseph said that the Iranians behaved well with her and other crew members and they had no intention to harm them. She also said that the remaining 16 members are safe in the ship and they too will be released soon.

She thanked the Union govt and external affairs ministry for making the timely intervention. “On a surprise move, I was suddenly asked to get ready to travel to the shore around noon on Wednesday. They took me to the port in a boat. Indian consulate officials were present at the port,” she said. “There was no cruelty or ill treatment on the part of those who detained us on the ship. We were given food. We were allowed to use mobile phones for an hour on Saturday and Sunday,” she said.

Iran had earlier assured India that it will allow Indian officials access to the 17 Indian crew members. “Indian mission is also in touch with the Iranian authorities in ensuring the well- being of the remaining crew members of MSC Aries. Earlier, external affairs minister, Dr S Jaishankar had spoken to his Iranian counterpart foreign minister Amir Abdollahian on the matter,” said the government.

In a telephonic conversation on Sunday, Jaishankar requested his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, to ensure the release of the Indian crew members. Amir-Abdollahian assured Jaishankar that Tehran will allow Indian authorities to meet the Indian crew members. The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) had said it was working closely with the relevant authorities for the well-being of the 25 crew members and the return of the vessel.