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Two of the four South Korean hostages being held captive by Somali pirates are ill and suffering from stomach ailments, according to a pirate who spoke to Somalia Report this evening.
“Two of them are sick and feeling pain due to the hot climate and bad water. We are now holding the hostages in Labad, between Hobyo and Garacad, and the climate of Labad is so hot and water is not good because it is very salty and full of minerals. It is very difficult for people to adapt to this new climate so their health has been greatly affected," said a pirate from Hobyo.
The South Koreans, former crew members of the MT Gemini, were moved to land after pirates released the vessel and with 21 of its crews for $6 million, but kept the four South Korean in protest of the South Korean government for the loss of life of their colleagues who were killed during a rescue raid on the MT Samho Jewelry in January 2011. In December 2011, pirates demanded an additional $4 million in compensation before they would release the remaining four crew.
New negotiations reportedly began in January of this year, but has stalled since the hostages became ill. The pirates, however, are refusing to allow the hostages access to medical care.
"The other two are in good health. Only two of them are sick, but we haven't contact any doctor. They need medical attention because now they cannot even eat anything," said the pirate. "We are human and we do care if they live, but our security is more important. We need to hold them in secure places and we can't get doctors here," he added.
The group of pirates, led by well-known commander Shoobare, are mostly from Sa’ad clan (sub-clan of Hawiye).
The South Koreans held captive include the MT Gemini's master, chief engineer, chief mate, and second mate although it is unclear which of the four are allegedly ill.
Somali pirates threatened to kill the same four Koreans in July of last year.
For a complete list of hostages being held by pirates, please see our weekly piracy report from January 20, 2012 here.
Editor's Note: Pirates have been known to exaggerate the health of hostages in order to speed up ransom negotiations. The Samho Jewelry (rescued in January 2011) should not be confused with the Samho Dream (ransomed in November 2011).