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

Final Up to date:January 11, 2026, 23:48 IST

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

Rakshit Chauhan, a service provider navy officer, was among the many three Indian crew members on Marinera (previously Bella 1).

Three Indian residents had been among the many crew members detained following the US seizure of the oil tanker Marinera, which is related to Venezuelan oil shipments. The household of a 26-year-old Service provider Navy officer from Himachal Pradesh, who was among the many three Indians, has appealed to the Centre to make sure his secure return.

The tanker was intercepted and brought below US management within the North Atlantic this week following a weeks-long pursuit. The Marinera had a crew of 28 individuals, together with 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians, two Russians and three Indians. US authorities stated the tanker was concerned in shifting oil linked to Venezuela in violation of worldwide sanctions and was a part of efforts to bypass present restrictions.

Rakshit Chauhan, hailing from Himachal’s Kangra district, was despatched to Venezuela on his first sea task by his Russian employer and was detained by US authorities. His mom, Reeta Devi, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make sure his secure return.

“Please guarantee secure return of my son Rakshit,” she stated. The distraught mom instructed reporters in Kangra that Rakshit’s marriage had been mounted on February 19, in line with information company PTI.

“We talked to Rakshit for the final time on January 7 and are praying to God for his secure return earlier than that date,” she stated. “We attraction to the prime minister and the exterior affairs minister to make sure the secure return of Rakshit and two others from Goa and Kerala, who’re additionally crew members of the identical vessel.”

All the crew was detained as investigators study the ship’s possession, chartering preparations and compliance with maritime and sanctions legal guidelines. US officers haven’t stated how lengthy the crew can be held or what authorized course of they might face because the investigation continues.

In the meantime, Russia has reacted sharply to the seizure. The Kremlin, a detailed ally of deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro who was kidnapped in a US navy raid, accused the USA of violating worldwide maritime legislation.

In accordance with studies, the vessel, previously referred to as Bella 1, had been making an attempt to keep away from US sanctions concentrating on oil shipments linked to Venezuela, Iran and Russia.

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