Kerala woman onboard ship seized by Iran returns home
Ann Tessa Joseph, an Indian deck cadet from Kerala who was one of 17 Indians on board an Israeli-linked container ship seized by the Iranian military last week, has returned to Kerala. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed her arrival at Cochin International Airport on Thursday. The ministry stated, "With the concerted efforts of the Indian Mission in Tehran and the Iranian Government, Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph...has landed safely at the Cochin International Airport today afternoon."
Remaining Indian crew members in constant contact
"Indian Mission is also in touch with the Iranian authorities in ensuring the well-being of the remaining crew members," the ministry confirmed. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had previously spoken with his Iranian counterpart Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian regarding this matter. On Tuesday, Iran's Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, confirmed that all the Indian nationals were safe. He mentioned that due to adverse weather conditions in the Persian Gulf, repatriation would take place once weather conditions improved.
Joseph is from Thrissur, Kerala
Iran seizes ship linked to Israeli billionaire
On April 13, Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized control of the container ship linked to Israel near the Strait of Hormuz. MSC Aries, a Portuguese-flagged vessel, is associated with Zodiac Maritime of London. Zodiac Maritime is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Group. The Iranian foreign ministry said the cargo ship was seized by the authorities because it "violated mamaritime laws." Twenty-five crew members were on board the MSC Aries.
