Somali yacht couple in dire need

[Adrianwool]

I will post this here even though it applies across the piece as far as all boaters are concerned. I have to admit to being critical of this couple putting themselves in harms way in the first instance, but that does not detract from the fact that they are in need of help now as the latest reports from the AFP news agency indicate their lives are in danger if the pirates do not receive a ransom in the near future.

Do you think that the RYA (or some such body) could act as a co-ordination point to receive donations from the boating community to 'build' a ransom fund to get these people freed?. Are there any contributors to this forum who hold enough sway with the RYA to get this off the ground?

 

[Nick_H]

Is it money they need? The latest ransom demand was reported as being "only" £100k, so I can't believe immediate friends and family couldn't get that together in hours, so I'm thinking there's more to it. There was speculation that the RN had refused to do the drop (as they have to tow the gov't line about not paying ransoms).

If it's just a case of £100k to free them, i'll pay it, and they can give it me back when they sell their yacht/house etc., but somehow I think the situation is a bit more complex than that.

 

[Whitelighter]

What, and make it ten times as dangerous for other UK/EU nationals to sail in those waters (should they choose to...). Its a horrible situation, but to pay the ransom would only encourage more and more pirates to choose this route. For an organisation such as the RYA to build a ransom fund would make any vessel flying the Union Flag a target above all others.

They have my sympathy, but the ransom cannot be paid...

 

[Greg2]

What, and make it ten times as dangerous for other UK/EU nationals to sail in those waters (should they choose to...). Its a horrible situation, but to pay the ransom would only encourage more and more pirates to choose this route. For an organisation such as the RYA to build a ransom fund would make any vessel flying the Union Flag a target above all others.

They have my sympathy, but the ransom cannot be paid...

I agree. Truly awful situation for them and those close to them but if the people holding them make money then it will be seen as a viable option by others and there will be more victims.

 

[Adrianwool]

What, and make it ten times as dangerous for other UK/EU nationals to sail in those waters (should they choose to...). Its a horrible situation, but to pay the ransom would only encourage more and more pirates to choose this route. For an organisation such as the RYA to build a ransom fund would make any vessel flying the Union Flag a target above all others.

They have my sympathy, but the ransom cannot be paid...

Then if there is unwillingness to pay for the release of these people, (as a principal that paying ransoms only encourages similar acts), I am going back to the original statement I made when these people were first captured. It is the responsibility of all yachtsmen (power and sail) to not put themselves into harms way, i.e. sailing in an area of known piracy. I seem to remember the 'puffed up brigade' accusing me of a form of cowardance (sensible I call it). There is a last some effort going into 'sorting out' the pirates in this area of the Indian Ocean, surely it is an area to avoid for the time being?. Finally morally do we just say 'hard luck' to two people who stand to lose their lives?

 

[Whitelighter]

For what it is worth I totally agree with you in that respect. I am sorry I didnt see you first posting as I would have supported you in your point of view.

I think it is correct that we need to appreciate the dangers of going away from our comfort zone. WOuld we be concerned to raise the ransome for someone holidaying in Iraq, or Afganistan or any of the other troubled rejions of the world?

I think sometimes it has been to easy to expect others to dig us out of our own mess. If I was going to go off on a boat, I would be sticking to first world countries because I would want to mitigate risk. I guess some would enjoy the thrill of being out on a limb, which is fine, but they should also be prepared to shoulder the consequences.

That is not to say they shouldnt be helped, but I dont beleive paying the ransom would not do that. Does anyone really expect the pirates to leave witnesses once the money way paid, for the cost of just two bullets? Force was the only option, even with the risk of it costing them their lives it would send a message that we will not pay the ransom, nor will we tolerate the act.

But that is equally not our descision, and of course endangers more UK citizens, albeit highly trained and amongst the best in the world....

 

[Nick_H]

That is not to say they shouldnt be helped, but I dont beleive paying the ransom would not do that. Does anyone really expect the pirates to leave witnesses once the money way paid, for the cost of just two bullets?

AFAIK Somali pirates have yet to kill a single hostage, and all crews have been released once a ransom has been paid.