Kerala youth goes missing during internship in Iran; family seeks help

Upputhara, Idukki: A family in Kerala is anxiously awaiting word from their son, who has lost contact while on a merchant navy internship in Iran.

The missing youth, Jerin Joseph, son of Sajan from Ayyappankovil, has reportedly been stranded in Iran following the start of the conflict in West Asia.

Jerin last contacted his family on the morning of February 27, when he sent a message saying that the war situation could become a problem and that he would call the next day. However, he has not made any calls or sent messages since then, relatives said.

Any attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful. When the family contacted the Chennai-based institute that arranged the internship, they were told that the students were safe. Meanwhile, the family has sought assistance by writing to the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, and Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose. They have also approached NORKA for help.

Jerin was sent to Iran on July 27, 2025, by the Chennai-based Rudraksh Merchant Navy Institute for an internship. He was undergoing training at the Lian Ocean Star Shipping Company at the Port of Bushehr.

The war in Iran began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes on multiple locations across Iran, targeting key military and leadership sites. The strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior officials.

In response, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, US military bases, and allied positions across the region, escalating tensions into a wider conflict.