On 13 April 2024 Iran seized MSC Aries, a Portuguese-registered and Madeira-flagged container ship owned by Gortal Shipping and leased to Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The ship, with a crew of 25 people, was boarded by Iranian commandos in the Strait of Hormuz, within international waters off the coast of the United Arab Emirates,[1][2] and taken to Iranian waters, effectively imprisoning the crew.[3][4]
The United States, United Kingdom, and Portugal (where the ship is registered) called for the ship's release immediately afterwards.[3] On 3 May, Iran released the crew, but retained control of the vessel.
- ^ "Amid rising tension, Iran's troops raid Israel-linked ship near UAE: Report". Business Standard. Associated Press. 13 April 2024. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
- ^ Howard, Gary (13 April 2024). "Iran seizes large container ship MSC Aries in Strait of Hormuz". Seatrade Maritime News. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
- ^ a b Hand, Marcus (14 April 2024). "US and UK call for immediate release of MSC Aries seized by Iran". Seatrade Maritime News. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
- ^ Schuetze, Christopher F. (13 April 2024). "Iran Seizes Commercial Ship Linked to Israel". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 April 2024.