Indian Deck Cadet Ann Tessa Joseph Returns Home After Ship Seizure by Iran

Ann Tessa Joseph, an Indian deck cadet hailing from Thrissur, Kerala, and a crew member of the Israeli-flagged merchant ship seized by Iran, has safely arrived at Cochin International Airport, as confirmed by the government on Thursday.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, it was noted that, with the collaborative efforts of the Indian Mission in Tehran and the Iranian Government, Joseph, who was among the Indian crew members of the container vessel MSC Aries, has been successfully repatriated. Upon her arrival at the airport, Joseph was warmly received by the Regional Passport Officer, Cochin.

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

The statement further assured that the Indian Mission in Tehran is in constant communication with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the vessel, confirming their good health and ongoing contact with their families in India.

Additionally, the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that they are coordinating with Iranian authorities to ensure the well-being of the remaining crew members. Earlier engagements between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, were highlighted as part of these efforts.

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, assured on Tuesday in an interview with India Today TV that all 17 Indian nationals aboard the container ship were safe. He mentioned the challenging weather conditions in the Persian Gulf and expressed intentions to repatriate the Indian crew once the weather improves.

The ship’s seizure by Iran on April 13 occurred amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, marked by Iran’s firing of over 300 missiles and drones towards Israel.

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