Malayali woman cadet, trapped in MSC Aries ship seized by Iran, reaches home safely

NEW DELHI: India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Thursday the safe return of the Malayali woman who was trapped in the cargo ship seized by Iran. Ann Tessa Joseph (24), a resident of Thrissur Veluthur, arrived at the Kochi Nedumbassery airport on Thursday.

According to India’s external ministry, the safe return of Ann was successful due to the effort put in by the Indian Mission in Tehran and the Iranian government. The ministry said the Indian envoy in Tehran is continuing with efforts to bring back the other 16 Indians trapped in the seized cargo. However, the ministry confirmed that all of the Indian nationals on the ship were safe.

Iran seized the container ship MSC Aries, which was coming from the UAE to Mumbai, in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday morning. Tensions also aggravated after Israel called for an immediate retaliation against Iran for Tehran's surprise missile attack on Tel Aviv.

After Ann Tessa's return, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also appreciated the Indian mission in Tehran.

“Happy to see Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa reach back home safely. Whether in India or abroad, Modi’s guarantee is always intact” S Jaishankar wrote on X.

Ann Tessa Joseph is the daughter of Biju Abraham and Beena, natives of Thrissur. It was only on Saturday that Ann’s family moved to their new house in Vazhoor Kottayam. The news of distress about the ship being seized reached the family amidst the housewarming celebration.

It was just one year back that Ann joined the MSC Shipping Company in Mumbai. When the parents spoke to Ann last Friday, they were told that the ship was on its way back to India.

Indian deck cadet Ms. Ann Tessa Joseph from Thrissur, Kerala, a member of the crew on vessel MSC Aries returned home today. @India_in_Iran, with the support of Iranian authorities, facilitated her return. Mission is in touch with Iranian side to ensure the well being of the… pic.twitter.com/iE932Y4F4y

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2024