Iranian Official Dismisses Concerns about Health of Detained Ship Crew
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Acting deputy for Maritime Affairs at the Ports and Maritime Organization Ali Akbar Marzban provided an update on the well-being of the crew aboard the container ship MCS Aries that was seized recently.
Amid concerns raised about the crew's condition after the vessel, flagged under Portugal, was detained on April 14, 2024, Marzban emphasized that all 24 crew members are in good health, dismissing claims of their mistreatment raised by Zionist media.
"Contrary to claims by foreign and opposition media, all crew members are in good health, with no concerns regarding their well-being and safety," Marzban stated, adding that a female crew member, an Indian national serving as an intern, was promptly repatriated upon diplomatic coordination, leaving 24 crew members onboard.
“At the outset, the MCS Aries had a crew of 25 with citizenships from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, 1 Russian, and 1 Estonian, where immediately upon diplomatic coordination, one of the Indian crew, who was a female and was serving as an intern, was separated from the rest of the crew and returned to her homeland,” he added.
Marzban went on to say that following the ship's detention and concerns expressed by the embassies of crew members, diplomatic contacts were initiated with Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring continued communication and coordination.
He reaffirmed that there is no threat to the detained crew members, underscoring Iran's commitment to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) as well as religious and human rights principles.
He stated that the crew members of the MCS Aries have access to communication facilities onboard, enabling them to stay in touch with their families and embassies, with no reported issues.
The Iranian official added that the possibility of repatriating excess crew members to their home countries is under consideration, pending safety conditions.
Marzban emphasized that the efforts by the Ports and Maritime Organization and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have ensured that the crew's security, health, and safety are safeguarded, providing reassurance to their families and governments.
The Iranian official also stated that the Organization's Maritime Affairs department is facilitating communication, with conditions onboard reported to be calm and crew members in good health, and that until a final decision is made, favorable conditions will be provided to all crew members on board the ship.
