Kerala man aboard Israel-linked ship seized by Iran; parents await safe return

An aged couple residing in a district in northern Kerala is experiencing distressing times, worrying about the safety of their son who is currently on board a cargo vessel linked to Israel, which has been seized in the Gulf region. They are praying for the safe return of their son. Shyamnath, their son, is one of the 17 Indians who were on the Israeli-associated cargo ship 'MSC Aries' when it was captured by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday (April 13). Vishwanathan and Shyamala, the parents of Shyamnath, are still grappling with the shock and situation. They mentioned that they managed to speak to him on Saturday, before the seize.

Later that day, they got a call from the Mumbai office of the shipping company, who informed them about the surprising turn of events.

"We are going through tough times...we have great concerns about the safety of our son. The company authorities said they could not contact the ship crew after the seizure," Vishwanathan told the media.

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Originally from Velliparamba in this northern district, Shyamnath served as a second engineer aboard the 'MSC Aries' for the past decade. His parents told PTIthat his last visit home was in September of last year.

Viswanathan mentioned that, aside from Shyamnath, two individuals from the neighbouring districts of Palakkad and Wayanad were also part of the crew. According to him, crew members from the Philippines, Pakistan, and Russia were also aboard the ship, to the best of their knowledge.

Shyamnath's mother tried to speak with the media but was overcome with tears. Despite the distress, the family remains hopeful that the government's efforts will lead to the swift and safe return of their son and his fellow crew members.

Government intervention and company response

Official sources reportedthat India has engaged Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels in Tehran and Delhi, urging for the welfare and prompt release of the 17 Indian crew members detained aboard the 'MSC Aries'.

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) stated that they are closely collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure the well-being of all 25 crew members and the vessel's return.

The United States has demanded that the ship be released right away."We call on Iran to release the vessel and its international crew immediately. Seizing a civilian vessel without provocation is a blatant violation of international law, and an act of piracy by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps," said National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson.

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The ship's seizure comes during increased tensions in West Asia. Iran has threatened retaliation for an airstrike on its embassy in Damascus, Syria, where seven people, including two generals, were killed nearly two weeks ago. Iran claims the ship is connected to Israel in the Gulf. Tracking websites confirm the ship's last reported position was in the Gulf.

(With inputs from agencies)