India's Diplomatic Success: After Kerala's Ann Tessa Joseph, Five More Indian Sailors On Seized Ship Released By Iran

In a big diplomatic breakthrough, five of the Indian sailors on board an Israeli-linked vessel seized by Tehran were released on Thursday (9 May) and have departed from Iran, the Indian embassy in Iran said.

"5 of the Indian sailors on MSC Aries have been released and departed from Iran today evening," the Indian embassy said.

Earlier, Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, one of the 17 Indian crew members of the Israel-linked cargo ship 'MSC Aries' that was seized by Iran on 13 April, returned safely to India on 18 April.

The container ship was seized near the Strait of Hormuz by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.

The MSC Aries was last observed on 12 April heading towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai.

The Ministry of External Affairs had previously confirmed the safety of the crew and anticipated further releases.

"One girl who was there has returned. We had asked for consular access for these 16 people and we received that and our officers met them. Their health is good and there is no problem of any kind on the ship," MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly press briefing on April 25.

He added that the return of the crew was subject to the completion of certain technicalities and contractual obligations.

Also Read: "Campaigning In Election Not Fundamental Right": ED Opposes Arvind Kejriwal's Interim Bail Plea In Liquor Policy Scam