Iran seizes Israel-linked cargo ship with 25 crew in Strait of Hormuz, says Iranian media
- The state-run IRNA news agency said crew from a Revolutionary Guards helicopter boarded the Portuguese flagged MSC Aries, which is linked to an Israeli businessman
- Iran has threatened to retaliate for suspected Israeli air strikes on its consulate in Syria on April 1 that killed seven guards officers, including two senior commanders
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the Iranian state-run IRNA news agency reported, days after Tehran warned it could close the area to sea traffic.
IRNA reported that a Guards helicopter had boarded and taken into Iranian waters the Portuguese flagged MSC Aries.
Shipping security agencies had earlier reported a vessel being boarded and seized by “regional authorities” in the Hormuz Strait between the United Arab Emirates and Iran.
The Aries is leased by international shipping line MSC from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, Zodiac said in a statement, adding that MSC is responsible for all vessel activities. Zodiac is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
Italian-Swiss Shipping group MSC said Saturday that there were 25 crew members on board the ship.
“We regret to confirm that MSC Aries … has been boarded by Iranian authorities via helicopter as she passed the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 0243 UTC this morning,” the group said in a statement. “She has 25 crew on board, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure their well-being, and safe return of the vessel.”
