Shipping company MSC announced that the 25 crew members of the MSC Aries, seized by Iran on April 13, are confirmed to be safe, Reuters reports.
Furthermore, MSC also stated that they are currently engaged in discussions with Iranian authorities to secure the earliest possible release of the crew.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards captured the container vessel in the Strait of Hormuz shortly after Tehran threatened retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1. Iran had also mentioned the possibility of closing the important shipping route.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), emphasized that the top concern is the well-being and safety of the crew members on board.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), emphasized that the top concern is the well-being and safety of the crew members on board.
MSC charters the vessel Aries from Gortal Shipping, a subsidiary of Zodiac Maritime, which is partially owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
Furthermore, recent assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden by Yemen’s Houthis aligned with Iran have impacted the international maritime transport network.
