Somali pirates kill four American hostages

Last Updated on Friday, 18 March 2011 22:28 Wednesday, 23 February 2011 20:57

Somali pirates have killed four american hostages taken last week after a yacht was hijacked off the coast of Oman. The Quest served as the home of a couple from California - Jean and Scott Adams - and they used it to sail around the world, a journey that started in 2004. The two other americans on board were Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle from Seattle (Wa.).

It is the first time that pirates have killed american hostages. During negotations with the U.S. military, gunfire was heard coming from the Quest. U.S. naval forces, who had been trailing the Quest for three days since its capture, then stormed the ship and provided emergency medical aid to the americans but they died of their wounds. Two pirates were killed by the navy and 13 captured. A further two pirates were already dead when forces boarded the ship.

Related:
Somali pirates attack French Naval ship
Somali pirates fight over ransom

The Quest

“At approximately 1 a.m. EST today, while negotiations were ongoing to secure the release of four American hostages, U.S. forces responded to gunfire aboard the pirated vessel (S/V) Quest,” the U.S. military said in a press statement. “As they responded to the gunfire, reaching and boarding the Quest, the forces discovered all four hostages had been shot by their captors. Despite immediate steps to provide life-saving care, all four hostages died of their wounds.”

We express our deepest condolences for the innocent lives callously lost aboard the Quest," said Gen. James N. Mattis, U.S. Central Command Commander.

Just over a week ago, South Korean forces rescued 21 hostages held by Somali pirates.