A Foreign Ministry source said on Friday, speaking to CNN Portugal, that the Portuguese-flagged ship MSC Aries “will continue to be seized” by Iran. However, the official also noted that the reference to the Iranian ship had been communicated to authorities “verbally, not in writing” and indicated that “the crew will be free this weekend.”
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard seized the ship flying the Portuguese flag last Saturday, claiming that it was linked to the Zodiac Group owned by Israeli millionaire Eyal Ofer.
Portugal summoned the Iranian ambassador to Lisbon last Tuesday to protest the recent attacks against Israel and demand the “immediate release” of the MSC Aries ship.
Container shipping company MSC confirmed that the crew of the MSC Aries ship are safe and added that there are “ongoing discussions” with the Iranian authorities to release them.
MSC stated, in a statement, that the ship “was detained by Iranian authorities on April 13 in the Strait of Hormuz, while crossing international waters,” and stressed that the 25 crew members, the majority of whom were Indians, were “fine.”
The company said: “We are also working with the Iranian authorities to release the shipment,” considering the matter “dangerous.”
“Hey [navio] “MSC Aries” is owned by Fortal Shipping Inc. It was leased by MSC,” stressing that it “will continue to provide regular and uninterrupted service” in the area.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard seized the ship, which was flying the Portuguese flag (registered in the autonomous region of Madeira), on Saturday for allegedly being linked to the Zodiac Maritime Group Ltd., partly owned by Israeli millionaire Eyal Ofer.
According to Tehran, “the ship was directed to Iranian territorial waters due to a violation of international maritime rules.”
Last Tuesday, Portugal summoned the Iranian ambassador in Lisbon to protest the recent attacks against Israel and demand the “immediate release” of the “MSC Aries” ship. At the meeting, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel insisted on “the demand for the immediate release of the MSC Aries, in light of Portugal’s obligations as a flag state.”
The Portuguese government added: “It has also been called for the release of the crew, who must be treated with dignity while the ship remains detained, as the explanations given so far are not considered consistent.”
On Thursday, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the release of the first crew member, an Indian woman. 24 people have not yet been released.
