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India ,Iran 

Kerala native Antessa Joseph has been identified as one of the 17 Indian nationals onboard the Israeli-linked cargo vessel, MSC Aries, seized by Iran in the Gulf region. The revelation, made by her family, underscores a distressing oversight in official communications, causing significant anguish and concern.

Initially, Ms. Joseph's name was omitted from a letter addressed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to the External Affairs Ministry, exacerbating the family's distress. Officials from the Chief Minister's Office acknowledged the lack of information regarding Ms. Joseph's presence on the ship, prompting immediate escalation to the Central government for action.

The Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) has been tasked with coordinating necessary steps in response to the situation. However, the family, hailing from Thrissur, remains in limbo, awaiting updates on Ms. Joseph's status from both state and Central authorities.

Expressing deep anguish over the omission of his daughter's name, Ms. Joseph's father emphasized the mental and emotional toll it has taken on the family. Initial news reports only mentioned three Malayalees onboard, leaving the family in uncertainty regarding her well-being. The sole source of reassurance has been the confirmation of her safety by the ship's owning company.

The last communication with Ms. Joseph occurred on Friday, following which attempts to reach her were unsuccessful. The family was informed of the ship's seizure by the shipping company, adding to their anxiety.

Iran has indicated that Indian officials will be granted access to the 17 Indian crew members "soon." Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier appealed to the External Affairs Ministry to secure the safe return of all Indian nationals, including the three from Kerala.

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is actively collaborating with authorities to ensure the well-being of the crew and secure the release of the vessel. The MSC Aries was seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards near the Strait of Hormuz on April 13th.

The incident underscores the complexities of maritime operations in the Gulf region and highlights the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe return of all crew members, including Ms. Antessa Joseph, to their families.