A young merchant navy cadet from Himachal Pradesh, Rikshit Chauhan, is among three Indian nationals detained after the United States Coast Guard seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic. The incident has drawn international attention and sparked concern among families in India as diplomatic efforts continue to resolve the matter.
The tanker, earlier known as Bella 1, was operating under the Russian flag and had been chartered by a private trader. It was reportedly carrying crude oil linked to Venezuela and was on its way to Russia when US authorities intercepted it during a maritime enforcement operation. Officials said the action was part of broader efforts to monitor and enforce international sanctions connected to energy shipments.
At the time of the seizure, the vessel had 28 crew members on board. This included three Indians, 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians and two Russians. All crew members are currently being held by US authorities while legal and diplomatic procedures are underway. Their status remains uncertain as governments involved work through international maritime and legal channels.
Back in Himachal Pradesh, Rikshit’s family is struggling to cope with the sudden silence. The family lives in Ward 7 on the outskirts of Palampur, where anxiety has grown with each passing day. His father, Ranjit Singh, said they last spoke to Rikshit five days ago and have since received no official information. He added that neither the Indian government nor any shipping authority has contacted them, leaving the family in deep distress about their son’s safety.
Rikshit had joined the Merchant Navy in August last year, marking his first professional assignment at sea. The family had been proud of his achievement and hopeful about his future, but the current situation has replaced that optimism with fear and uncertainty.
Family members said a representative of the Merchant Navy Officers Association of India informed them that the Russian government is closely monitoring the situation. Russia has reportedly urged the United States to ensure the humane and dignified treatment of all 28 crew members and has called for their rights to be respected. Moscow has also demanded that there should be no delay in allowing the crew to return safely to their respective home countries.
Local MLA Ashish Butail has also stepped in to support the family. He contacted them personally and assured them of all possible assistance. He has written to the state Chief Secretary, urging him to take up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs so that diplomatic channels can be used to secure the early release and safe return of Rikshit.
The case has become sensitive at the international level as it involves sanctions, international maritime law and the rights of civilian seafarers who were carrying out their professional duties. While governments debate legal and political issues, families of the detained crew members remain focused on one simple hope — the safe return of their loved ones.
For Rikshit’s family in Palampur, each passing hour feels longer as they wait for official confirmation, clarity and reassurance that their son is safe. Until then, their lives remain suspended between hope and fear, watching global events from a small home in Himachal Pradesh.