The Chandlers yacht returns to UK
The yacht which British couple Paul and Rachel Chandler were on when they were abducted by Somali pirates has been returned to Portland Harbor, in Dorset UK.
The Chandlers are still being held for ransom for a reported $7 million, however news posts have mentioned that the pirates may be willing to negotiate for a lesser amount.
The yacht, Lynn Rival was picked up by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Wave Knight. The Wave Knight returned to British waters yesterday to unload the yacht.
According to members on the military vessel, the crew had been ‘forced’ to watch as the couple were kidnapped by pirates. Military officials insisted the crew members could not have acted without endangering the Chandlers lives.
There were 75 merchant seamen and 25 sailors aboard the Wave Knight at the time of the abduction.
The couple were forced to change course to Somalia before being put on a container ship, the Kota Wajar, which had also been taken by the pirates. Based on videos released last week, they now appear to be ashore.
Mr Chandler, a quantity surveyor, and his economist wife have spent several six-month spells at sea.
It later emerged the Wave Knight, carrying a helicopter, was near to the drama.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Every effort was made by the Royal Navy and the international maritime fleet to locate the Lynn Rival.
“We did everything we could possibly do without further endangering the lives of Paul and Rachel Chandler.”
Portions of this article were sourced from www.dorsetecho.co.uk
