The Portuguese Government informs that seven members of the ship detained by Iran crew, have been released today. The Portuguese government timely notified the countries of nationality of these seven crew members, specifically: five Indian citizens, one Filipino, and one Estonian, who was the sole European Union citizen on board.
Currently, the crew on board consists of 17 members (one Indian citizen had left the ship beforehand).
The Portuguese government welcomes this development, for which it had strongly advocated for. Nonetheless, it reiterates to the Iranian Government that international law requires the immediate release of the remaining crew members and of the ship MSC Aries. Portugal will continue to make every effort to ensure that these international obligations are fully met.