Pirates 'seize UK yacht couple'

Mogadishu, 27 Oct-(ANA)-A search and rescue operation is being carried out for a British couple who have disappeared while sailing their yacht in the Seychelles.

Paul and Rachel Chandler, aged 58 and 55, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, were heading for Tanzania in their yacht, the Lynn Rival.

They sent a distress signal on Friday but have not been heard from since.

There has been an unconfirmed report that Somali pirates have admitted seizing the yacht.

The news agency Reuters said the pirates were taking the vessel back to Somalia.

A pirate called Hassan told the agency: "The British couple are in our hands now. We captured them as they were touring in the Indian Ocean."

The two captives were healthy and ransom demands would follow, he added.

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman said it could not confirm whether pirates were involved. (ANA)

FA/ANA/27 October 2009----