Like many sailors I was distressed to hear about the British couple, Paul and Rachel Chandler who were kidnapped by Somali pirates this week. They were on passage from the Seychelles to Tanzania. News of their kidnapping broke after their EPIRB was activated and they posted a brief message on their blog.
I visited the blog in the hope that I could leave a message of support but unfortunately this is not enabled. It’s worth visiting the blog to understand the route they took. They were clearly as careful as they could be. They came through the Red Sea and along the Southern Arabian Coast in a rally and kept going East to India. After working their way down the Indian coast they left Goa and headed Southwest for the Seychelles. After the Seychelles they were kidnapped in transit to Tanzania.
The thing that shocked me was how far from Somalia they were. I assumed that the hijackings were closer to the Somali shore. From what I can calculate they were hijacked 500-800 miles from Somalia and well South of Somalia. The range of these pirates is frightening.
I understand that Rachel and Paul have been taken inland in Somalia. We’re all thinking of you and wish for your safety and swift return.
I wonder how much the piracy will change, or already has changed, what are accepted routes for cruising circumnavigators. How many still consider the Suez Canal an option anymore? Are cruisers going through there in flotillas now? Or does everyone just go via the Cape these days? Does anyone keep tabs on such stuff?
I hope they get home safe.
It is not acceptable that the authorities in the area with vessels that have speeds in excess of 20 knots are unable to intercept a Rival 38 that has a speed of the order of 5 – 6 knots.
What is really happening in this area?
It is clear that they have been warned on many occasions and that Lynn Rival took a risk on a number of occasions.
Finally they were the ones stating on noonsite (a cruisers website) on the ninth of june this year that ‘piracy was now not an issue around the seychelles’, clearly not true. It is a sad story but form first hand experience with Lynn Rival it is obvious, and many people knowing them state the same that there is another factor than just an unlucky day in ‘safe’ waters.
You can leave a message of support at http://www.ybw.com follow the route forums -liveaboard Link- Friends of Paul and Rachel / Lynn Rival
Sea Star
I knew Paul and Rachel when I was also part of the Vascodagama rally until our boat,Gustavus Vasa hit a reef in the Red Sea. Their situation is dreadful but they seem to have been forgotten about. What is happening? Is there anything we can do?
Susan Gowler
Rachel and Paul. If you ever get to read this, welcome home. We have thought of you often over the past year and a bit. I don’t know if you remember us, but we were the owners of Admetus, the blue Sadler 32, often moored near you in Lefkas. Take care Pete & Liz Boddy