OSINFO - Open Sources Information

By Andre Lotz (1)

The British media is alive with concern over the kidnapping of a couple from Kent who were sailing their yacht near the Seychelles on 23 October. Paul and Rachel Chandler are reportedly being treated well, though the kidnapping is being taken as seriously as possible by the British authorities as public concern focuses on the unfolding story. The British Government is in the unenviable position where they need to negotiate the release of the couple but are not really given the mandate to offer a ransom. Unlike shipping companies which are usually targeted, they have no insurance money to dip into for situations like this. They are also not willing to encourage any more kidnappings of British nationals.

Only recently, in April, members of the US citizenry were also forced to sit up and take note as pirates held one of their countrymen for ransom. In this instance however, US President Barack Obama authorised a rather spectacular rescue as snipers killed three of the four pirates, thus releasing the captive, Captain Phillips. The British Navy may be forced to attempt something similar, but will also have to take cognisance of the failed rescue attempt by French Special Forces in March which saw its owner killed.

The modern face of piracy

In the last few decades the term “piracy” has generally been used to refer to people who make illegal copies of intellectually protected material such as music and films.

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  (1) Andre Lotz is an Analyst with Consultancy Africa Intelligence's Conflict & Terrorism Unit