Seychelles clarifies facts of Chandler pirate kidnapping

Following the story on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News website on September 5, 2011, regarding the Chandlers’ piracy hostage incident, the Seychelles High Level Committee on Piracy wou

Following the story on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News website on September 5, 2011, regarding the Chandlers’ piracy hostage incident, the Seychelles High Level Committee on Piracy would like to clarify that contrary to what the Chandlers have reported, they were more than adequately forewarned of the dangers associated with piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and in particular with the route they took on that unfortunate journey.

On at least two separate occasions, the Chandlers were advised on the piracy threats associated with the journey that they undertook. Firstly, before departing Seychelles, the Chandlers had to follow certain procedures to obtain Port clearance to sail. During those stages, they were informed by the Seychelles Maritime Safety Administration (SMSA) of the piracy risks associated with their planned journey. Secondly, the Chandlers were also advised by the Providence Marina, which is a Seychelles-based Yacht Charter Company, where they had been keeping their yacht, of the risks of piracy in the surrounding waters.

In addition to media coverage, mariners were continually being informed of piracy risks in the Indian Ocean by the Seychelles Radio Coast Station at Bon Espoir, which provides ship-to-shore maritime communication services.

The Seychellois people sympathize with the Chandlers for the traumatic experience they went through. However, the responsibility for what happened rests entirely with the Chandlers who decided to take the risks anyway.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...