Himachal Merchant Navy Officer Detained on US-Seized Russian Oil Tanker Weeks Before Wedding

A young merchant navy officer from Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district is facing an uncertain future after being detained aboard a Russian-flagged oil tanker seized by US authorities last week. The sailor, identified as Rakshit Chauhan, is among three Indian crew members currently in custody following the interception of the vessel, even as preparations for his wedding, scheduled for February 19, were underway at home.

Rakshit, 26, joined the merchant navy on August 1 last year and was serving on his very first sea assignment when the incident occurred. On January 7, US officials stopped and confiscated the tanker Marinera — previously known as Bella 1 — which was sailing under the Russian flag in the North Atlantic. The seizure took place while Rakshit was on his maiden maritime deployment, turning what was meant to be the beginning of his professional journey into a moment of crisis for his family.

Speaking to reporters in Palampur, Rakshit’s visibly distressed mother, Reeta Devi, made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging them to intervene diplomatically and secure her son’s safe return to India.

“Please ensure my son Rakshit’s safe return,” she pleaded, her voice breaking as she spoke about the upcoming wedding. She said the family is desperately hoping that he will be able to return home before February 19, the date fixed for his marriage.

Reeta Devi said the family last spoke to Rakshit on January 7, the very day the tanker was seized. “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, adding that the lack of communication since then has only deepened their anxiety.

She also appealed for the safe release of the other Indian sailors aboard the vessel. “We request the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister to ensure the safe return of Rakshit and the two other Indian crew members from Goa and Kerala who were also serving on the same ship,” she added.

According to available information, the US Coast Guard intercepted and later confiscated the tanker while it was on an assignment linked to Venezuela. The action is believed to be part of broader efforts by US authorities to enforce restrictions on oil supplies connected to sanctioned routes and destinations.

Rakshit’s father, Ranjit Singh Chauhan, said the family has received no official update on his son’s condition or legal status since the day of the seizure. “We last spoke to Rakshit on the day the ship was taken. After that, there has been no formal communication about his well-being or about the other Indian crew members,” he said.

Providing details of Rakshit’s assignment, his father explained that the young officer had joined a Russian company and was sent to Venezuela for his first maritime mission to procure oil. However, the vessel was reportedly stopped near the border during the journey.

“After waiting at the border for around ten days, the company asked the ship to return. It was during this period that the US authorities seized the tanker,” he added, underscoring the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the sequence of events.

The matter has also drawn the attention of local political representatives. According to Ranjit Singh Chauhan, Palampur MLA Ashish Butail has sought detailed information about Rakshit and assured the family that he would raise the issue with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla.

At the time of its seizure, the tanker had a total of 28 crew members on board, including three Indians, 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians and two Russians. All crew members were reportedly detained following the interception, as diplomatic and legal processes continue.