TEHRAN, May 11 (MNA) – Iran has released seven more crew members of the Portuguese-flagged ship MSC Aries, which was seized by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in mid-April.

The Ministry of Road and Urban Development in Iran announced the release of seven more crew members of the MSC Aries on Saturday.

The release was made possible through the diplomatic efforts of the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization and with the approval of the related judicial authorities.

The crew members, consisting of five individuals from India, one from Estonia, and one from the Philippines, have returned to their respective countries.

The Ministry also mentioned that the remaining crew members are still onboard the ship and have access to their countries' consular and diplomatic authorities in Iran.

Earlier this month, a female sailor was released by Iranian authorities, while 17 other crew members still remain onboard the ship.

AMK/IRN85472691