Next month will mark the first anniversary of the kidnap of British couple Paul and Rachel Chandler by ruthless Somalian pirates. Repeated ransom demands have been denied and negotiations have clearly stalled. The couple cannot comfort each other during their terrifying ordeal as they are separated to thwart rescue attempts.
Kidnappers hoped a change of government would be more sympathetic to their demands, but that was never going to happen. Meanwhile, these pirates continue to plunder the seas, and have just snatched a Greek chemical tanker with a crew of 18.
I’ve heard nothing about this couple for several months, and it’s now coming up to a year since they were snatched. I hope that determined efforts are being made to secure their release, that their plight is not being ignored.
The Times is right to highlight almost daily the story about the Iranian woman Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani who was barbarically sentenced to death by stoning. But why aren’t we doing more in our British press to demand the release of this couple who are caged up like animals in a lawless land and in fear for their lives?
The media has gone very quiet about them…
They do seem to have dropped out of the news somewhat.
Not young , ethnic minority or the like , not fashionable to the media therefore forgotten .
This should be a lesson to anyone daft enough to think it safe to go sailing around dangerous parts of the world .
I was wondering about them a while ago. Why have they slipped off the radar?
disaffected, I believe they were sailing in “safe waters”, as was the Greek tanker. Your summarisation about media coverage could well be correct.
Ian, yes, they have gone off the radar, which is very worrying.
So sad. I do hope we get some good news before long.
I just can’t work out why the press, & the government, have hushed up about this poor couple. What’s the point in citizenship of a country if that country does nothing to help you out of a pickle like this? And where is the “silent majority”? Aren’t this couple worth the time & effort to even get concerned?
This poor couple must be feeling totally abandoned by the UK – how can we help ? Their capture seemed exacerbated by the ineptitude and lack of conscious decisions by the navy when they were taken – …. come on our forces – we can invade Irak and Afganistan & spend millions doing it, why can’t we rescue two innocent British citizens ? – its gone on far too long now –
James and L Stoddart-Whatley, I can’t believe either why there isn’t more news about this in the press. David Miliband is going to be speaking on foreign affairs matters at the Labour Party conference this morning, I hope he is asked about the Chandlers. And I hope their families are lobbying William Hague hard.
They probably have been released by now. Gov’ts always say they don’t pay ransoms but very often they do, quietly.
Wish WHOEVER would at least publish some kind of an update. There is absolutely Nothing coming up no matter what you search for. Typical. I certainly pray it’s not me one day….
I was just talking to my husband about Paul and Rachel Chandler and what’s happened to them? The Government need to wake up and do something about these people as they are British and we should look after our own. Don’t forget them. Get them out now!
Hopeful Wem
I want to believe that our government is actively working on this, but there has been such a long period without news. Their family must be so terribly worried.
I cannot believe that there is no news wherever you search. It is shameful that this was even allowed to happen with the Royal Navy apparently so close by and our government should be making every effort to secure their release and act to prevent this type of thing happening again. Come on William Hague, get it moving.
I have been wondering about these poor people too, if you try to research them nothing comes up in the news for Months. I just hope that they have had the ransom paid on the quiet and they have slipped back hom un-noticed. If there still being held hostage after all this time then god help them, and their familly.
Strange there has been no news!
Has a rescue attempt been made??
Why so quiet? They just stopped reporting at the same time!!!!
Maybe a press gagging order!!
Something stinks and I for one get sick to my stomach when things like this happens! Where not stupid,somethings gone on!!!
I hope it is good news,SOON…
whats going on with this couple.Why has the media coverage stopped ,and what is our government doing to free them.Its a national disgrace beyond belief.
I believe I’m correct in saying that today is the first anniversary of the Chandlers kidnap.
I thought I would wait until this evening to see if anything was mentioned on the news but incredibly there was nothing it’s as if there is some sort of media blackout?
Well, coverage lasted just a few hours, so Mr Hahue and co, can put this one back in the bag, until they can claim they did something useful. Rest assured, they will all be at the front, when these poor folks get free.
Perhaps the best way, we can all help is to actually start taking some action. Write, camp outside, or make a bit of noise..Not that i am one for direct action on everything. These people are British, and that used to mean something.
The government are going to need some good news stories soon, so if we make this one their focus, these folks might actually get rescued…Alternatively, we can kid the government, they own a lot of oil.Or owe tax..That might make their ears prick up?
Hoping these folks are freed soon, very soon.
Johnbo, I’m as disappointed as you about this. We wonder if there are behind the scenes talks/plans to free this couple, but it’s been a year with no positive news, we can only feel the strongest concern and fears for their safety and well being.