‘Returned from war-zone like situation’: HP sailor detained in US reaches home

Chauhan — who joined the Merchant Navy in July, 2025 — was among three Indian crew members on board the Marinera — earlier known as Bella 1. The 28-member crew tanker was intercepted and detained by the US forces in the North Atlantic in early January.

4 min readFeb 3, 2026 09:00 AM IST

Sailor Rikshit Chauhan (in red Himachali cap) at his home in Palampur, Kangra with local BJP leader Trilok Kapoor (second from right) after his return from the US on Sunday. (Express Photo)

“I heard many tales about the hijacking of vessels by the pirates but never imagined in my dreams that one day a similar situation could also happen with me also,” the Himachal Pradesh sailor told The Indian Express, as he returned to his family in Kangra’s Palampur on Sunday.

Rikshit Chauhan, 26, a deck cadet in the Merchant Navy, was in custody following the seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera by US authorities.

He said, “These were only the efforts of the Government of India through which all three of us were released from the US detention and returned safely to India. I returned from what felt like a ‘war-zone’… Although I am not supposed to speak much, our VLCC vessel’s captain, who is from Georgia, and one Chief Navigation Officer, who is from Ukraine, are still with US authorities.”

Chauhan — who joined the Merchant Navy in July, 2025 — was among three Indian crew members on board the Marinera — earlier known as Bella 1. The 28-member crew tanker was intercepted and detained by the US forces in the North Atlantic in early January.

Also Read | Himachal sailor detained in US returns home days before brother’s wedding

The cadet said, “We were on a total sailing period of 40 days to 45 days from Oman to Venezuela in our VLCC vessel. We started our sailing in the mid of December last year. As per my information, our vessel was empty and we were scheduled to bring a cargo of oil from Venezuela. Our vessel didn’t enter Venezuela territorial waters. It was on the international water border when we learned that we were detained. We found at least half a dozen US personnel… who took control of our vessel.” According to Rikshit a captain and navigation officer took control of the vessel.

“They (US personnel) didn’t harm us and never spoke to us rudely but a fear was always looming over us. We were aware about the war-like situation involving the US and Venezuela, Ukraine and Russia. Between the day when our vessel was detained and we were let off at Scotland coast, our vessel was continuously moving. We can’t anchor our vessel in deep water at sea. They (US personnel) only ‘seized’ our cell phones which I believe only to prevent us from sharing pictures and other information of the situation. My designation was a cadet and my job was on the deckside. We were allowed to perform our duties as usual.”

When asked whether he was contacted by any official of the Indian embassy, Rikshit said, “Indeed, I have consistently received phone calls since I landed in Scotland last week on January 23-24. I was informed that my tickets from Scotland to India are ready. I don’t know the man who was coordinating with us.”

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Rikshit reached Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi Friday night from where he boarded a domestic flight for Chandigarh. From Chandigarh airport, he reached his house in Palampur (Kangra) by road on Sunday morning.

Political leaders, including local Congress MLA Ashish Butail, ex-CM and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jai Ram Thakur, BJP spokesperson Trilok Kapoor and others visited Rikshit’s house over the period of time.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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