In a diplomatic victory, five Indian sailors onboard an Israeli-linked vessel seized by Tehran were released on Thursday (May 9, 2024), the Indian Embassy in Iran said.

The Embassy said the Indian nationals have departed for the country.

The Embassy posted on X: "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."

With 17 Indians onboard, the Israeli-linked cargo ship was seized by Iran on Apr 13.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized the container ship near the Strait of Hormuz and MSC Aries was last seen on April 12, sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai, reported India Today.

One of the Indian sailors was released and returned home from Kerala on April 18.