30/10/2009

Ransom Demand 'Imminent' For Yacht Couple

A ransom demand for a British couple kidnapped by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean is expected to be made shortly, according to reports.

The BBC's East Africa correspondent Will Ross has reported that the pirates were in discussions and said that a demand was now "imminent" and would possibly be issued later today.

Paul and Rachel Chandler, aged 59 and 55, from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, were seized by armed men who boarded their vessel, the Lynn Rival, which was sailing from the Seychelles to Tanzania.

A search began for the couple after a distress signal was sent from their boat last Friday and their vessel was later found drifting in international water near Somalia by the Royal Navy. No-one was onboard.

It is understood that the couple are being held on the Singapore-registered container ship, the Kota Wajah, and reportedly are being treated well.

(KMcA/BMcC)

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