Recently, Bharatiya deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph, who was part of the Indian crew on the MSC Aries vessel captured by Iran a few days ago, has returned to Bharat, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday.
Joseph landed safely at the Cochin International Airport on Wednesday afternoon and was received by the Regional Passport Officer.
The ship was seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, raising concerns over the safety of its crew, including 17 Bharatiya nationals. The vessel was apprehended off the coast of the UAE, escalating tensions in the region.
According to the reports received, the Bharatiya government is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to ensure the security, welfare, and prompt release of the detained crew members. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has personally intervened, speaking to his Iranian counterpart and emphasizing the importance of de-escalation.
With one crew member already released and efforts underway to secure the freedom of the remaining 16, the situation underscores the precarious nature of maritime security in the region. As diplomatic channels remain active, the hope is for a swift resolution that prioritizes the safety of all individuals involved.
The incident adds to the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, where conflicts involving Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah and Houthi rebels in Yemen have heightened regional tensions. Any further aggression could potentially spark a wider conflict with far-reaching consequences.
While Iran claims the seizure was carried out by a special forces unit of the Revolutionary Guards’ navy, details surrounding the incident remain murky. The container ship, associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime, was reportedly targeted in Iranian waters.
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