Overview
- The tanker Marinera, previously named Bella 1, was intercepted on January 7 after weeks of tracking from the Caribbean under a U.S. federal court warrant.
- U.S. authorities allege the vessel carried crude linked to Venezuela in breach of sanctions, and the ship is now under U.S. control pending investigation.
- Among the 28 detained crew are three Indians, including 26-year-old Rikshit Chauhan of Palampur, whose family last spoke with him on January 7.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs says it is monitoring the case and verifying details as local officials forward documents and seek urgent diplomatic intervention.
- Russia has protested the seizure, urging humane treatment of all crew and calling for protection of their rights and prompt repatriation as ownership and chartering arrangements are reviewed.