Palampur, Jan 10: The seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker by the United States Coast Guard has left a family in Himachal Pradesh grappling with uncertainty, as their son remains among the 28 crew members detained in the North Atlantic.
Rikshit Chauhan, one of three Indian nationals on board the tanker Marinera, was detained after the vessel was intercepted while sailing towards Russia. The tanker, earlier named Bella 1, was reportedly carrying crude oil linked to Venezuela and had been chartered by a private trader.
US authorities have detained all crew members, including 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians and two Russians, as legal and diplomatic processes continue.
“We have not heard from our son for five days now,” said Rikshit’s father, Ranjit Singh. “No one from the Indian government or any other authority has contacted us. Our family is living in constant fear.”
Rikshit had joined the Merchant Navy in August last year and was on his first sea assignment. “We were proud when he began his career. Now, we just want him to come home safely,” his father said, breaking down.
According to the family, the Merchant Navy Officers Association of India informed them that the Russian government has taken up the matter with the US. Russia has reportedly called for dignified treatment of the crew and has sought their prompt return to their home countries.
The situation has also drawn attention locally. MLA Ashish Butail has spoken to the family and assured them that the issue would be raised with the Ministry of External Affairs through the state administration.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the families of the detained seafarers remain anxious, hoping for official confirmation and a humanitarian resolution in an incident that has crossed legal, political and international boundaries.
