CSC demands the release of the hostage seafarers and condemns seizure of 'MSC Aries'
13:07 - 15 April 2024
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber has demanded the immediate release of the 25 seafarers aboard the Portuguese-flagged containership 'MSC Aries' seized by Iranian forces in the waters off Fujairah, UAE.
A CSC announcement said, "Joining voices of complaint raised by other international and regional shipping organisations, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber demands the immediate release of the 25 innocent seafarers aboard the Portuguese flagged containership “MSC Aries”, that was seized on 13 April 2024, by Iranian forces in the waters off Fujairah, UAE."
"The Chamber condemns the seizure of the vessel, highlighting the flagrant violation of international law and the assault on the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation. Our thoughts lie with the wrongfully arrested seafarers and with their families as their welfare is our highest priority," the announcement continued.
"Innocent seafarers and international shipping must not be victimised and as such, both the crew and vessel must be released as a matter of urgency," the CSC underlined in conclusion.