Somali pirates say they have moved a kidnapped British couple onto land, to await negotiations for their rescue after demanding $7 million in ransom.
The pirates spoke by phone to news agencies Saturday.
Paul and Rachel Chandler were headed to Tanzania on a trip that started in the Seychelles when they sent a distress signal October 23 off the coast of Somalia. Their yacht, the Lynn Rival, later was found empty in waters off East Africa.
Chandler has since spoken several times to reporters and said he and his wife are doing well.
In recent months, France and the United States have used military force to rescue hostages, while at other times, foreign hostages have been released after ransoms were paid.
There have been persistent high-seas hijackings in recent years in waters off east Africa, despite a growing armada of international warships to secure the area.
The pirates spoke by phone to news agencies Saturday.
Paul and Rachel Chandler were headed to Tanzania on a trip that started in the Seychelles when they sent a distress signal October 23 off the coast of Somalia. Their yacht, the Lynn Rival, later was found empty in waters off East Africa.
Chandler has since spoken several times to reporters and said he and his wife are doing well.
In recent months, France and the United States have used military force to rescue hostages, while at other times, foreign hostages have been released after ransoms were paid.
There have been persistent high-seas hijackings in recent years in waters off east Africa, despite a growing armada of international warships to secure the area.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
