Pirate attack widow returns to UK
by BW Media roundup on 6 Apr 2009
Mr Bean sailing before the attack SW
The widow of a British yachtsman killed by Burmese pirates as they sailed off the coast of southern Thailand in their yacht Mr Bean will fly home to the UK.
It is believed businessman Malcolm Robertson, 64, from Hastings, East Sussex, was bludgeoned to death with a hammer and thrown overboard off the Andaman coast as he sailed with his wife Linda.
His body was finally found by fishermen 10 nautical miles north of Satun's Lipeh Island on Monday, a week after the attack. According to Thai law, no murder charges could be laid unless the body was found.
Mrs Robertson is expected to return to Britain with the couple's adult children who flew out to Thailand to offer their support in the wake of the attack.
Mrs Robertson's brother John Clee, said Mr Robertson's body is expected to be repatriated within the next week.
He said: 'She appears to be coping, she's excited about coming home now and getting away from where she was, but it will be a whole new ball game when she's back.
'I think reality will kick in and she'll have a few bad days.'
He added: 'I don't think she wants to sail that particular boat again, it may be sold, but if you love sailing you love sailing. You don't stop loving it. She's got to get used to the fact Malcolm is not around.'
A memorial service was held on Thursday in Thailand as the couple's sailing friends paid tribute to Mr Robertson.
Petals were thrown into the water where the couple's 44ft yacht, Mr Bean, was berthed, a tree was planted and a marble plaque was put up in Mr Robertson's memory.
Mrs Robertson described in Thai court last week how the attackers tied her hands and feet as her husband urged them to get off the yacht.
She also spoke of the bizarre kindness shown by the youngest of the suspects, who stroked her feet and repeatedly said sorry to her for her ordeal.
The region where the attack occurred, close to the border with Malaysia, is not known as a dangerous area, and is popular with both local and international yachts visiting Thailand.
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