Himachal Merchant Navy Officer Among 3 Indians Aboard Oil Tanker Seized By US, Family Seeks Help

Last Updated:January 11, 2026, 23:48 IST

Rakshit Chauhan, a merchant navy officer from Himachal’s Kangra district, was among the three Indians detained after the Russia-flagged tanker Marinera was seized by the US.

Rakshit Chauhan, a merchant navy officer, was among the three Indian crew members on Marinera (formerly Bella 1).

Three Indian citizens were among the crew members detained following the US seizure of the oil tanker Marinera, which is connected to Venezuelan oil shipments. The family of a 26-year-old Merchant Navy officer from Himachal Pradesh, who was among the three Indians, has appealed to the Centre to ensure his safe return.

The tanker was intercepted and taken under US control in the North Atlantic this week following a weeks-long pursuit. The Marinera had a crew of 28 people, including 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians, two Russians and three Indians. US authorities said the tanker was involved in moving oil linked to Venezuela in violation of international sanctions and was part of efforts to bypass existing restrictions.

Rakshit Chauhan, hailing from Himachal’s Kangra district, was sent to Venezuela on his first sea assignment by his Russian employer and was detained by US authorities. His mother, Reeta Devi, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure his safe return.

“Please ensure safe return of my son Rakshit,” she said. The distraught mother told reporters in Kangra that Rakshit’s marriage had been fixed on February 19, according to news agency PTI.

“We talked to Rakshit for the last time on January 7 and are praying to God for his safe return before that date,” she said. “We appeal to the prime minister and the external affairs minister to ensure the safe return of Rakshit and two others from Goa and Kerala, who are also crew members of the same vessel.”

The entire crew was detained as investigators examine the ship’s ownership, chartering arrangements and compliance with maritime and sanctions laws. US officials have not said how long the crew will be held or what legal process they may face as the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, Russia has reacted sharply to the seizure. The Kremlin, a close ally of deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro who was abducted in a US military raid, accused the United States of violating international maritime law.

According to reports, the vessel, formerly called Bella 1, had been trying to avoid US sanctions targeting oil shipments linked to Venezuela, Iran and Russia.

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