Indian Merchant Navy Officer Returns Home After 20-Day Detention Following Seizure of Tanker
A merchant navy officer from Himachal Pradesh has returned home safely after being detained for nearly 20 days following the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker by the United States Coast Guard in international waters.
Rakshit Chauhan, 26, a resident of Palampur in Kangra district, was among 28 crew members taken into custody when the tanker Marinera—earlier known as Bella 1—was intercepted in the North Atlantic in early January. The vessel was reportedly carrying crude oil and was en route to Russia at the time of the interception. Three Indian nationals, including Rakshit, were detained during the operation.
The detention began on January 4, when US authorities seized control of the tanker. Soon after, the crew’s mobile phones were confiscated, cutting off all communication with their families. Rakshit last spoke to his family on January 7, after which there was no contact for several days, causing mounting anxiety at home.
After his release, Rakshit contacted his parents to inform them of his safety, bringing relief to the family. He later reached Palampur and is now recovering from the ordeal. Family members said he told them the crew was treated properly during detention but was physically exhausted and advised to take complete rest.
Rakshit had joined the Merchant Navy in August last year and was on his first sea assignment when the tanker was seized. The incident was particularly distressing for the family as his marriage is scheduled for February.
His parents expressed gratitude to the Central Government and the Ministry of External Affairs for their intervention, which they said helped ensure their son’s safe release.
Meanwhile, there has been no official update on the return of the other two Indian crew members who were detained during the same operation.