Archive · 12 Jan 2026
US Seizes Russian Tanker with Indian Crew
A Russian oil tanker named Marinera was seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic.
There were 28 people on the ship, including three Indians.
One of the Indians is a 26-year-old man named Rikshit Chauhan from Himachal Pradesh.
His family is very worried because they haven't been able to contact him since January 7.
The family hopes that the Indian government, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will help bring their son back safely.
The tanker was carrying oil linked to Venezuela and was on its way to Russia when it was stopped.
The family and local officials are trying to get help from the Indian embassy in Venezuela.
US Coast Guard seized the Russian oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic on January 10, 2024.
The tanker had 28 crew members, including three Indians: Rikshit Chauhan from Himachal Pradesh, one from Goa, and one from Kerala.
Rikshit Chauhan's family last heard from him on January 7 and has been unable to contact him since.
The family is anxious and hopes for high-level diplomatic intervention, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his safe release.
Local officials and the family are working with the Indian embassy in Venezuela to facilitate his release.
- Who
- 28 crew members, including 3 Indians, 20 Ukrainians, 6 Georgians, and 2 Russians
- What
- US Coast Guard seized the Russian oil tanker Marinera
- When
- January 10, 2024
- Where
- North Atlantic
- Why
- Sanctions-related violations
- Tanker Name
- Marinera (formerly Bella 1)
- Crew Members
- 28 (3 Indians, 20 Ukrainians, 6 Georgians, 2 Russians)
- Indian Crew
- Rikshit Chauhan (Himachal Pradesh), 1 from Goa, 1 from Kerala
- Seizure Location
- North Atlantic
- Seizure Date
- January 10, 2024
- Reason for Seizure
- Sanctions-related violations
- Last Contact with Family
- January 7, 2024
