British Couple Released from Somali Pirates, Gian Sexsmith

British Couple Released from Somali Pirates, Gian Sexsmith

Rachel and Paul Chandler describe their awful beating from Somali pirates. This British couple spent close too 400 days held hostage in Somalia. Paul and Rachel chandler are both experienced sailors and were sailing from the Seychelles towards Tanzania as part of a longer sailing excursion.  This British couple was taken right off their yacht in October 2009, The pirates were trying to separate the couple but Paul and Rachel refused to be separated and were viciously abused. As said in BBC Mr. Chandler, 60 , said “ they had been driven across Somalia, then were left locked in a car to sleep over night. Just after dawn, about 7 o'clock, we were asked to leave and join our rescuer. It was hard to have any feelings really, almost disbelief, it was too good to be true,"

            The couple was held in very unpleasant conditions and dreadful heat in Somalia for thirteen months. When they were rescued they were “rather skinny and bony” as said by Mr. Chandler. They were taken to the British High Commission in Nairobi where they had received medical check- ups. The couple said that the worst time was when they had to abandon their boat and were taken on board the container ship. Rachel and Paul had not had any communication with the outside world since the middle of June.

            The couple did not release any information in the UK, except a statement saying "The family believes it would be irresponsible to discuss any aspect of the release process as this could encourage others to capture private individuals and demand large ransom payments, something that we are sure none of us wants." This couple has been through what you would see in a Hollywood movie and something that you would never expect to happen. Ending their horrifying journey safe at home but with the loss of their yacht.