Shimla, January 13, 2026: Rakshit Chauhan, a 26-year-old Merchant Navy officer from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, is currently in U.S. custody. He is one of three Indian nationals detained following the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic by the U.S. Coast Guard earlier this week.
Rakshit, who joined the Merchant Navy on August 1, 2025, was employed by a Russian company and was serving his first assignment on the tanker Merinera when the vessel was en route to Venezuela. The ship, with a crew of 28—including three Indians, 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians, and two Russians—was seized on January 7, 2026, and all crew members were taken into U.S. custody.
Family Appeals for Intervention
Rakshit’s mother, Rita Devi, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her son’s safe return. She expressed deep concern, noting that Rakshit’s wedding is scheduled for February 19, 2026. “We spoke to Rakshit for the last time on January 7. We are praying that he returns safely before his wedding,” she said.
Rakshit’s father, Ranjit Singh Chauhan, explained that the ship had been held near international waters for ten days before the company ordered it to return. However, before it could reach port, the U.S. authorities seized the vessel. Local officials have been in contact with the family, and the Palampur MLA has assured them that he will meet the Chief Minister to discuss the matter.
Family in Shock
Rakshit’s brother described the family’s shock upon receiving the news. “Our home was busy with wedding preparations; invitations were being sent, and everyone was in high spirits. Suddenly, we learned that Rakshit was detained. We hope he returns safely so that we can celebrate both his wedding and his homecoming,” he said.
The U.S. Coast Guard continues to hold all crew members of the tanker as investigations proceed.
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