Three Radio Amateurs Scott Adam, K9ESO, his wife Jean, KF6RVB, and Bob Riggle, KE7IIV, have been murdered by Somali pirates. Also killed with them was Phylis Macay.

The four were onboard the Adam’s owned yacht the Quest off the coast of Oman, East Africa, when pirates boarded their vessel on Friday, February 18. Officials were in the process of negotiating for their release when gunfire was heard around 1 AM on Tuesday, February 22.

United States Naval forces responded to the gunfire. Navy Seals then boarded the yacht only to discover that all four hostages had been shot by the pirates.

According to a statement from the US Central Command, despite immediate steps to provide life-saving care, all four hostages ultimately succumb to their wounds.

Somali-based pirates have plagued the shipping industry off East Africa for years, but the violence used during the attacks and the money demanded in ransoms has increased in recent months. Sea going bandits are currently holding some 30 ships and more than 660 hostages, however, this is first time American hostages have been killed by a Somali pirate raid. (Southgate, other published reports)

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