Kidnapped Britons say Somali pirates may kill them
November 20, 2009 19:43 EST

LONDON (AP) -- A retired British couple snatched from their yacht by Somali pirates last month say their captors are "losing patience."

Paul and Rachel Chandler say they're afraid they could be killed within a week or handed to a terrorist group if a $7 million ransom isn't paid. The British government says it doesn't pay kidnappers and demands the Chandlers' immediate release.

The two were interviewed by Britain's Channel 4 news program. In the video, the Chandlers are seen surrounded by armed men, with some pointing guns directly at the couple.

Rachel Chandler says they've been told that a terrorist cell is searching for them. An Islamic militia commander and a local Somali elder have previously told The Associated Press that rival pirates and militia groups had fought for control of the British couple.

Earlier today, Yemen's coast guard announced that Somali pirates have hijacked a Panamanian cargo ship. An unknown number of crew members was aboard.