Iran on Thursday released five of the Indian sailors onboard the Portugal-flagged cargo ship MSC Aries that was seized last month.
"5 of the Indian sailors on MSC Aries have been released and departed from Iran today evening. We appreciate the Iranian authorities for their close coordination with the Embassy and Indian Consulate in Bandar Abbas," the Indian Embassy in Iran said in a statement.
Iran had claimed the cargo container ship had Israeli links when it was seized.
Five Indians, a Filipino and an Estonian from the MSC Aries were released. Portugal welcomed the action but asked for the “immediate release” of the remaining crew members.
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The cargo ship, seized by Iran off the coast of United Arab Emirates, has links with Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer. It also had crew from other countries like Russia, Pakistan, Philippines and Estonia when it was seized.
Earlier on April 18, Iran had released Indian deck cadet Ann Tessa Joseph, who was part of the 17 Indian crew members on MSC Aries.
The Special Naval Forces of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) seized MSC Aries on April 13 reportedly in view of its links with Israel.