Somali pirates threaten to kill Dutch hostages

and want $1.1 million in ransom.

The owners are willing to pay $700,000. (ed. note: If I am ever taken hostage send Marines and Missiles, not millions.)


The MV Amiya Scan, managed by the Dutch Reider Shipping BV, was hijacked by Somali pirates on May 25 as it made its way to Romania from the Kenyan port city of Mombasa.

"The pirates holding the Dutch ship demand a ransom of $ 1.1 million while the owners say they are willing to pay $700,000," said a close ally of the pirates who gave his name only as Abdullahi. The company was not immediately available to comment.

"Negotiations are ongoing and the crew are in good health," Abdullahi added about the nine Russians and Filipinos. Abdullahi said he took food and other goods to the gunmen who were holed up in Eyl, a fishing town along the Indian Ocean. Hijackings are common in the chaotic country's un-patrolled waters, where pirates normally treat their hostages well in anticipation of hefty ransoms.

To the author of this Reuters article, Abdiqani Hassani, I say, you get taken hostage by pirates yourself and tell us how well you are treated. Feh.
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