Joy and relief as British couple is released by Somali pirates |15 November 2010

The retired British couple had been taken hostage as they were leaving the Seychelles exclusive economic zone on a yacht on October 23, 2009.

“The Government and the people of Seychelles share in the joy and relief of the release of Paul and Rachel Chandler, after more than a year in captivity in Somalia. Their terrible ordeal was followed closely by many people in Seychelles, who prayed for their release and return to their family in the United Kingdom,” said Minister Morgan, who holds the portfolio for piracy.

“We are happy that they are finally free, and that they will soon join their family and friends, in safety and healing.”

The Minister added that the Chandlers’ case was a stern warning to all leisure yachters who were not heeding warnings to sail from Seychelles to dangerous areas without protection.

“It is not safe to try to sail on the open seas directly from the Seychelles to mainland Africa.

 Every adventurous sailor should remember the Chandlers before risking their lives in an attempt to take this perilous route,” said the minister.

“The Seychelles inner islands are safe for sailing, but going out of the Mahé plateau area is risky. All seafarers sailing in Seychelles waters are warned of this, and guided to the best routes to take towards the continent.”