FED: Dead Yemen kidnap victim knew the risks Sydney family

AAP General News (Australia)
12-31-1998
FED: Dead Yemen kidnap victim knew the risks Sydney family

SYDNEY, Dec 31 AAP - The family of a kidnapped Sydney man killed in Yemen says he knew the
dangers and risks of travelling there.

Andrew Colin Thirsk, 35, died with three Britons in a shoot-out between police and
kidnappers days after he arrived in the troubled Middle Eastern nation.

The Pricewaterhouse Coopers partner wanted adventure and thought he would be safe in a
structured tour group, his father Malcolm told The Daily Telegraph.

"These sort of holidays are adventure holidays and they are not dangerous under most
circumstances; we cannot understand it," Mr Thirsk said.

He said the family, in Sydney and England, were in deep shock.

"I don't think it will be something that ever goes away."

The Thirsks moved from England to Australia in 1973, The Telegraph said.

Sydney woman Catherine Spence, 33, survived the kidnapping unharmed. She was among 12
British and American tourists rescued.

AAP pd/jnb/sco

KEYWORD: YEMEN KIDNAP AUST FAMILY

1998 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.