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15/11/2010
'Poor Deal' Struck For British Yacht Couple
After being held hostage by Somali pirates for 388 days, the Chandler's are preparing for their trip back to the UK.
It is understood the British couple, from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, were released after a ransom was paid to their kidnappers.
This morning a statement thanking everyone for their "concern and interest" was released through the Foreign Office.
It said: "We have just learned that Paul's father died in late July, and we obviously need to come to terms with that.
"We will return to the UK very soon."
Despite a demand for more than £4m, it has been reported that a double ransom around £200,000 was paid to the pirates.
Under strict policy, no British government support was offered.
The ransom payment is thought to have come from the Somali government and private investors.
The pair reported beatings by their captors when they refused to be separated.
Mr Chandler, 60, said: "The worst time was when we had to abandon our home and boat ... in the ocean."
Mrs Chandler, 57, added: "Another time that was very traumatic was when they decided to separate us.
"We were really distraught, we were very frightened at that point. We refused to be separated and we were beaten as a result."
The couple were kidnapped last year when their yacht was hijacked off the coast of the Seychelles.
(BMcN/GK)
It is understood the British couple, from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, were released after a ransom was paid to their kidnappers.
This morning a statement thanking everyone for their "concern and interest" was released through the Foreign Office.
It said: "We have just learned that Paul's father died in late July, and we obviously need to come to terms with that.
"We will return to the UK very soon."
Despite a demand for more than £4m, it has been reported that a double ransom around £200,000 was paid to the pirates.
Under strict policy, no British government support was offered.
The ransom payment is thought to have come from the Somali government and private investors.
The pair reported beatings by their captors when they refused to be separated.
Mr Chandler, 60, said: "The worst time was when we had to abandon our home and boat ... in the ocean."
Mrs Chandler, 57, added: "Another time that was very traumatic was when they decided to separate us.
"We were really distraught, we were very frightened at that point. We refused to be separated and we were beaten as a result."
The couple were kidnapped last year when their yacht was hijacked off the coast of the Seychelles.
(BMcN/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
