Iranian Sailors Evacuation From Kochi On Special Flight
- Special flight arranged by Iran moves IRIS Lavan crew from Kochi
- Secrecy surrounds evacuation of Iranian sailors amid Middle East situation
Hyderabad: The Iranian sailors evacuation from Kochi took place quietly after more than a hundred crew members from the Iranian ship IRIS Lavan left India on a special flight arranged by the Iranian government. The operation reportedly happened on Friday night and remained largely undisclosed to the public.
Reports indicate that around 183 sailors from the Iranian ship IRIS Lavan were present in Kochi. The vessel had earlier arrived in India and remained docked due to circumstances linked to the Persian Gulf War. However, later developments led to the arrangement of a special evacuation flight for several crew members.
According to available information, more than one hundred crew members of the ship boarded the special flight and left Kochi on Friday night. Along with them, about 30 Iranian citizens who had been stranded in India for various reasons also travelled on the same flight. The aircraft reportedly headed directly to Armenia after departing from Kochi.
Special flight arranged by Iran for evacuation
The Iranian government arranged the special flight as part of the evacuation effort. The aircraft first arrived in Kochi from Colombo on Friday night. Soon after landing, authorities coordinated the departure of the passengers, including the Iranian sailors and other citizens.
After completing the boarding process, the aircraft departed from Kochi and reportedly flew towards Armenia. However, officials indicated that the remaining crew members of the IRIS Lavan will continue to stay in Kochi for now.
Meanwhile, the evacuation process was carried out in great secrecy. Authorities avoided sharing details with the media or the public during the operation. Officials reportedly took this step while keeping in mind the sensitive situation currently prevailing in the Middle East.
Secrecy maintained amid regional tensions
Reports also noted that another Iranian ship, the Dena, was blown up by a US submarine in Sri Lankan waters. This development added to concerns surrounding maritime movements and the safety of vessels linked to the region.
At the same time, the IRIS Lavan had remained docked in Kochi due to technical problems. Later, the evacuation plan was implemented for part of its crew through the special flight.
Although a large group has already departed, the remaining sailors from the vessel will stay back in Kochi. Authorities have not provided further details about when or how the rest of the crew may leave.
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