INTERNET HEAD: British Couple Held by Pirates Returns Home
MAIN: BRITAIN - SOMALIA - PIRACY
A British couple who were held by Somali pirates for more than a year have returned home.
Paul and Rachel Chandler arrived at London’s Heathrow airport Tuesday evening on a flight from Nairobi, Kenya.
The couple was freed on Sunday after 13 months of captivity, one of the most drawn-out hostage situations off the coast of East Africa. The couple appeared thin but in good health.
The two asked for privacy Monday after receiving the news that Paul Chandler’s father had died in July. The Chandlers said in a statement that they need some time to “come to terms” with the news.
The two were attacked by Somali pirates near the Seychelle islands, where they were sailing on a 38-foot-yacht.
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Paul Chandler, who is 60 years old, and his 53-year-old wife had retired early and spent most of their savings to buy the yacht in order to sail around the world.
Over the past year, they lived in Somalia’s harsh heat, at times forcefully separated and, they say, beaten.
Somali pirates have made a fortune in the kidnapping trade, and typically only release hostages for multi-million-dollar ransoms.
Local elders said the pirates were paid about $750,000 to release the British couple, well below the initial ransom demand of $7 million. British media report the ransom was partially funded by donations from Somalis living in Britain.
Even with the Chandlers’ release, Somali pirates are still holding more than 20 ships and 500 hostages.
Mehmet (VOA News)
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