In a breaking news report by SomaliaReport, members of the Danish family captured by Somali pirates are suffering a deterioration in health. Potential move ashore as MV Dover nears possible release.
Mother and Daughter Health Detiorating, No Doctors Allowed
The Danish mother and 
daughter being held by Somalia pirates on board the MV Dover, a Greek-owned hijacked vessel, are both ill and their health is deteriorating, according to Farah Josh, one of the pirates holding the hostages off the coast of Somalia's semi-autonomous region of Puntland.
Birgit Marie Johansen and her teenaged daughter, Naja, are reportedly in the worst health out of the 7 Danish hostages currently being held. The pirate told Somalia Report's correspondent that within the last two weeks, Naja has had a fever and has been vomiting. She is growing weaker by the day and is unable to eat or drink enough water.
For the last three weeks, Birgit has reportedly suffered from a skin illness, according to Farah. Initially she was using some of her own medication and creams, but those have since run out.
Family Held Together, Doctors Not Allowed
Farah said they allowed the family members to be held together in one room on the ship to help each other. Previously the hostages were divided in a different rooms throughout the vessel.
Despite the illnesses, Farah claimed that pirates respect the health of their hostages. When asked by Somalia Report if they would allow a doctor on board, particularly since one is a child, Farah replied that it could be difficult to authorize because "no one could be trusted in this manner." He reiterated that the only solution is through a ransom payment.
Ransom
"We got tired of waiting for the $5 million ransom so we discussed new arrangements. The only obstacle is that the relatives of the Danish family will only pay $1.3 million so there is a big difference between us," the pirate said.
Danes Likely Moving to Land
The MV Dover, on which the hostages are being held, is supposed to be released next week which will complicate situation for the pirates. According to Farah, if that ship is released then his pirates will be forced to take the Danish hostages to land. (Somalia Report could not verify the potential release of the vessel.)
Due to increased patrols by Puntland Security Forces, Farah and his pirate group are reluctant to move the hostages but they might not have a choice. With only 7 investors, his pirate group does not currently have enough manpower or finances, making a land based move difficult. Their most recent investor is Guuleed, a former businessman in Bosaso. Local resident A/Kadir Husen indicated that the ship is now between Hurdiyo Village and Xandho, but the community elders of that area continue to protest against pirates. He said the pirates are running out of places to stay due to the pressure from locals and Puntland Anti-Piracy Forces who have been carrying out operations. They have since spread themselves across the far coastal area of Bari region such as around Bar-gal, Haafuun, Hurdiyo and other villages to avoid security forces.
The family of five and 2 crew were kidnapped by Somalia pirates in late February. Puntland Security Forces attempted but failed to rescue the hostages in March when they were being held on land, forcing the pirates to move them to MV Dover.