Indian woman, crew member of MSC Aries seized in Iran, returns India

• Indian sailor Ann Tessa Joseph, part of the crew onboard the seized cargo ship, has safely returned home to Kerala
• The cargo ship, MCS Aries was seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards near the Strait of Hormuz on April 13
• Remaining 16 crew members are in good health and in contact with their families, MEA said in an official statement 

An Indian sailor, Ann Tessa Joseph, who was part of the crew onboard a cargo ship seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards near the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, has safely returned home, announced the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed Joseph's safe arrival at Cochin International Airport.

"With the concerted efforts of the Indian mission in Tehran and the Iranian government, Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, who was among the Indian crew members of container vessel MSC Aries, has landed safely at Cochin International Airport," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

India has engaged with Iranian authorities to ensure the well-being of the remaining crew members, showcasing a diplomatic effort to address the situation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier communicated with his Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, regarding the matter.

Following Ann Tessa Joseph's safe return, Minister Jaishankar commended the Indian mission in Iran for their effective handling of the situation. Appreciating the effort, Mr Jaishankar in a post on X said, "Great work, Indian mission in Iran. Glad that Ms Ann Tessa Joseph has reached home. Modi ki guarantee always delivers, at home or abroad."