There are 25 crew members on board the MSC Aries, the cargo ship seized by Iran’s Pasdaran in the waters of the Gulf. MSC itself made this known in a note. The Portuguese-flagged ship is linked to the London-based company “Zodiac Maritime”, owned by the Israeli billionaire named Eyal Ofer. But who really owns the merchant ship?
The ship rented to MSC
According to what was reported by the international shipping company Zodiac Maritime in a statement, MSC – a group led by Gianluigi Aponte – is the manager and commercial operator of the seized ship.
An Israeli businessman who owns the freighter
“MSC is responsible for all activities of the vessel, including cargo operations and maintenance. The title to the vessel is held by Gortal Shipping Inc as financier and the vessel has been chartered to MSC on a long-term basis. Gortal Shipping Inc is affiliated with Zodiac Maritime,” said the company, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
The ship ‘attacked’ with a helicopter
“We regret to confirm that the MSC Aries was boarded by Iranian authorities via helicopter while crossing the Strait of Hormuz” the group said in a statement.
“It has 25 crew members on board and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure their well-being and the safe return of the vessel,” he added.
Among the 25 crew members, 17 are Indians. This was reported by the Indian Express, citing official sources according to which the New Delhi government is in contact with the Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and release of Indian citizens.
