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Somali Pirates Demand $7M Ransom for UK Couple

Paul and Rachel Chandler went missing a week ago

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 30, 2009 5:02 PM CDT

(Newser) – The British couple abducted from their yacht at gunpoint are being held for $7 million ransom, a rep for the Somali pirates who kidnapped them said today. Paul and Rachel Chandler went missing a week ago in the Indian Ocean. "NATO operations had a lot of negative impact here," the unidentified man said in a call to the BBC. "When you consider the damage and all the people affected we say the amount is not big."

"If they do not harm us, we will not harm them," the caller said of the Chandlers, who are believed to be in good condition in Somalia.

Map locates Ceel Huur, Somalia, where pirates are holding a captured British couple
Map locates Ceel Huur, Somalia, where pirates are holding a captured British couple
This undated family photo shows Paul and Rachel Chandler, who went missing when sailing from the Seychelles to Tanzania after sending a distress signal on Oct. 23, 2009.
This undated family photo shows Paul and Rachel Chandler, who went missing when sailing from the Seychelles to Tanzania after sending a distress signal on Oct. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/PA)
In this undated photo made available by the family, Paul and Rachel Chandler are seen at an unknown location.
In this undated photo made available by the family, Paul and Rachel Chandler are seen at an unknown location.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
riffran
Oct 31, 2009 9:51 AM CDT
but remember according to some people they are just poor guys trying to put food on the table,, *sobbing*...they got to feed little unfoofu, and NEED that 7 million
Carpediem4U
Oct 31, 2009 5:31 AM CDT
How stupid do you have to be to go boating in an area you KNOW Somali pirates roam? I'm sorry but my liberal senses has no sympathy for these people. It's like going into the worst part of Houston knowing how dangerous it is and being suprised because you just got robbed or stabbed or raped or killed. I love Houston...just not the 4th ward! Even people living there are scared to be there!
riffran
Oct 31, 2009 1:50 AM CDT
time to see if the British SAS is as good at head shots as the Navy seals

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