Himachal’s Rikshit Chauhan Freed from US Custody After 20 Days on Seized Russian Oil Tanker

Shimla: Rikshit Chauhan, a 26-year-old Merchant Navy officer from Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, has finally returned home safely after being stranded on the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Navy. His 20-day ordeal ended with an emotional reunion with his family, who expressed immense relief and gratitude.

The Incident
The tanker, Marinera (previously known as Bela 1), was intercepted by US authorities on January 7 over suspicions that it was linked to Venezuela’s shadow fleet. Onboard were 28 crew members, including 17 Ukrainians, six Georgians, and three Indians, among them Rikshit Chauhan. Rikshit had joined the Merchant Navy on August 1 last year and was on his first sea assignment when the ship was seized.

Rikshit last spoke with his family on January 7. With no communication for several days, the family’s concern grew, prompting visits and interventions from political leaders, including Himachal Pradesh opposition leader Jairam Thakur, who raised the issue with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Rikshit’s Account
Speaking from his home in Palampur, Rikshit said that after the US Navy took control of the tanker, his phone was confiscated, cutting off all contact with his family. “The US authorities treated us well. We had daily health checks, and no one was mistreated,” he added.

Family’s Relief and Gratitude
Rikshit’s father, Ranjit Singh, expressed immense relief at his son’s safe return. He thanked the Indian government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister JP Nadda, and senior BJP spokesperson Trilok Kapoor for their support. Singh also noted that Kapoor maintained regular contact with the family and ensured assistance at every stage.

The family received their first sign of hope on the night of January 26, when Rikshit called from the UK, where he had been temporarily accommodated in a hotel.

Trilok Kapoor confirmed that the issue had been raised effectively with the Indian government and that leaders including Jairam Thakur and Lok Sabha MP Rajeev Bharadwaj had taken the matter seriously. He said the safe return of Rikshit Chauhan marks a relief for both the family and the community.