'Safe, don't worry'; Ann Tessa Joseph, Malayali woman aboard cargo ship 'MSC Aries' seized by Iran, calls home

THRISSUR: It is reported that the woman from Thrissur who was aboard the Israeli cargo ship 'MSC Aries", which was seized by Iran forces, called home. Ann Tessa Joseph, a native of Thrissur Veluthur, called home and informed that she was safe. It is reported that all those on board are safe and there are no problems.

The army had permitted to use phone for an hour. The family informed that Ann said she didn't know when she would get a phone next and asked her family not to worry if she didn't make another call. The family themselves informed the media about this. The embassy had earlier told the family that the Iranian military would give a phone to those on board and they would call. The phone call was followed by this.

Shyamnath Thelamparambathu, a native of Ramanattukara, Sumesh, a native of Palakkad Keralasseri Vadasseri and P V Dhanesh, a native of Kattikulam Palvelicham in Wayanad, are the other Malayalees on board. A total of 25 crew members including 17 Indians are on board.

Union Minister V Muraleedharan's office has informed that all efforts are being made to free those trapped on the ship. Iran seized the ship which was coming from UAE to Mumbai. India had earlier initiated diplomatic intervention in New Delhi and Tehran to ensure the safety of the Indians and facilitate their release.