US Releases Indian Merchant Navy Officer Held On Russian Oil Tanker After 20 Days

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 US authorities in international waters.

Rakshit Chauhan, a 26-year-old resident of Palampur in Kangra district, was released after being held by the US Coast Guard 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 on its way to Russia at the time.

Rakshit was among 28 crew members taken into custody during the operation, including three Indian nationals. After his release, he contacted his parents, ending days of anxiety for the family.

He informed them that the ship was heading towards Scotland, although he did not confirm when he would return to India at that stage. He later reached Palampur safely.

The detention began on January 4 when the US Coast Guard seized the tanker in international waters. After US authorities took control of the vessel, the crew’s mobile phones were confiscated, cutting off all communication with their families.

Rakshit last spoke to his family on January 7. With no further contact for several days, his family grew increasingly worried.

Rakshit had joined the Merchant Navy in August last year and was on his first sea assignment when the tanker was seized. His family said the situation was particularly stressful as his marriage was scheduled for February.

Family members later shared that Rakshit said the crew was treated properly during the detention but was physically exhausted after the ordeal. He was advised to take complete rest after returning home.

Rakshit’s parents expressed gratitude to the Central Government and the Ministry of External Affairs for their intervention to ensure his 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.

References: Indiatoday, tribuneindia