Marinera crisis: Merchant navy officer caught up in US seizure of Russian tanker; wedding date looms, kin seek PM's help

SHIMLA: A 26‑year‑old merchant navy officer from Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district was among three Indians on board a Russian‑flagged tanker recently seized by the United States, his family said on Sunday, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure his safe return to India.

Rakshit Chauhan, who was sent to Venezuela on his first sea assignment by his Russian employer, was part of the 28‑member crew of the oil tanker Marinera, which the US Coast Guard seized on January 7 in the North Atlantic.

"Please ensure safe return of my son Rakshit," Reeta Devi appealed to the prime minister.




According to news agency PTI, Rakshit's mother said the young officer's marriage is scheduled for February 19.

"We talked to Rakshit for the last time on January 7 and are praying to God for his safe return before that date," she lamented.

"We appeal to the prime minister and the external affairs minister to ensure safe return of Rakshit and two others from Goa and Kerala who are also crew members of the same vessel," she said.

Rakshit Chauhan joined the merchant navy on August 1, 2025, and was posted by a Russian company to work on the oil tanker Marinera on his first sea assignment, his father Ranjit Singh Chauhan said. The vessel was en route to Venezuela when it was stopped near the border. After waiting there for 10 days, the company ordered the ship back, but before it could return, the United States seized the tanker on January 7, detaining all aboard.

Rakshit's father said local officials have sought details about his son’s situation. The Palampur MLA has assured the family that he will visit Shimla to take up the matter with the chief minister.

At the time of the seizure, the vessel had 28 crew members, including three Indians, 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians and two Russians, and all crew are currently under detention by US authorities.

(With agency inputs)