Chandlers criticise rescue effort

24 October 2011 Last updated at 13:23 ET

Paul and Rachel Chandlers’ ordeal began when their yacht was seized in October 2009

A British couple kidnapped by Somali pirates and held for over a year have criticised efforts by the Foreign Office to secure their release.

Paul Chandler, giving evidence to MPs alongside his wife Rachel, told them police should have taken the lead.

The couple, formerly from Kent but now living in Devon, were seized at gunpoint from their yacht near the Seychelles in October 2009.

They were released after a ransom of up to £620,000 was reportedly paid.

Mr Chandler said the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) should make warnings about piracy much easier for British sailors to access.

And he criticised the speed of the government’s help for their family during the ordeal.

Earlier, Mr Chandler told the BBC that contrary to news reports at the time, the couple attached no blame to the Royal Navy for being unable to prevent their abduction.

The navy, he said, did a marvellous job.

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