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. At the airport, she 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. 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.
“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,” 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.
