Pirates blame West for looting fish

Oct 31 2009

Somali pirates who are demanding seven million dollars (£4.2 million) in ransom for a British sailing couple have said that boats from other countries are plundering Somalia's fish-rich waters.

Ahmed Gadaf, who described himself as a spokesman for the pirates, said Western fishing vessels "harass" local fishermen and destroy their nets.

Gadaf said the couple, Paul and Rachel Chandler from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, are safe and will not be harmed.

The Chandlers were heading to Tanzania in their boat, the Lynn Rival, when a distress signal was sent on October 23. The Royal Navy found their empty yacht on Thursday, and both have been in contact with the UK media since.

Earlier, the Foreign Office said the Government would not make any "substantive concessions to hostage-takers, and that includes the payment of ransom".

Leah Mickleborough, the couple's niece, said the family had been unaware of the ransom request before they saw it on BBC News 24.

She said: "We had no idea what the figure would be. We have seen the report on the BBC and we will look into it."

The ransom request came after Mrs Chandler broke down in tears during her first contact since being taken hostage by Somali pirates a week ago.

Mrs Chandler urged her family not to worry, saying she and husband Paul were "safe". She described their captors as "very hospitable people".

But the strain of being held at gunpoint showed as Mrs Chandler broke down during a conversation with her brother Stephen Collett. Mr Chandler also sounded stressed during the phone call which was broadcast on ITV News.