Max Hastings has today launched a withering attack on the Royal Navy for its inability to intervene effectively to prevent piracy. He cites the case of Paul  and Rachel Chandler who were abducted from their yacht under the noses of the crew of the RFA Wave Knight. Despite warning shots fired to deter the pirates they managed to escape with their prize.

Initially the Navy reports had said that the Wave Knight encountered the couple’s empty yacht. Only a leak from a crew member revealed the truth. …read more