Pirates demand $7 million for a couple they snatched.

On October 21st, 2007, a British couple left on their yacht from the Seychelles for Tanzania. On their way, they were kidnapped by pirates in the Indian Ocean, and were held captive on a Singaporean cargo ship which had been hijacked by the pirates. They were then moved to a hijacked Spanish ship. A local journalist (who will remain unnamed) who was in contact with the pirates yesterday said the spanish ship had more supplies and armed men. The couple, Paul and Rachel Chandler, were able to make a phone call to Rachel Chandler's brother, Stephen Collett, which was recorded. Rachel told her brother, "We're managing. They tell us that we're safe and that we shouldn't worry; that if we want anything, they will provide it in terms of food and, you know, water. They're very hospitable people, so don't worry... Physically we're fine; physically we're healthy." The British government states that they will not pay the ransom. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office said, "The government will not make substantive concessions for hostage takers, including the payments of ransom."