Somali pirates to put British couple on other ship

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - A Somali pirate claiming to speak on behalf of a group holding a British couple says they will move the couple to another hijacked ship with other hostages anchored off the eastern coast of Somalia.

Abdinor, who identified himself only by his first name, says Paul and Rachel Chandler are healthy and Somali pirates took them to rest on land Thursday night at the coastal town of Harardhere.

He said Friday they have yet to make a ransom demand.

The Chandlers were heading to Tanzania in their yacht, the Lynn Rival, when a distress signal was sent Oct. 23. The British navy found their empty yacht on Thursday.

Somalia, which has not had an effective central government for 18 years, became the world's top piracy hotspot last year.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - A Somali pirate claiming to speak on behalf of a group holding a British couple says they will move the couple to another hijacked ship with other hostages anchored off the eastern coast of Somalia.

Abdinor, who identified himself only by his first name, says Paul and Rachel Chandler are healthy and Somali pirates took them to rest on land Thursday night at the coastal town of Harardhere.

He said Friday they have yet to make a ransom demand.

The Chandlers were heading to Tanzania in their yacht, the Lynn Rival, when a distress signal was sent Oct. 23. The British navy found their empty yacht on Thursday.

Somalia, which has not had an effective central government for 18 years, became the world's top piracy hotspot last year.