Somali pirates demanded a $7 million ransom last night for the pearl beads kidnapped British couple Paul and Rachel Chandler.

It was the first time that a figure had been mentioned since Mr and Mrs Chandler were captured on board their yacht off the Seychelles a week ago.

A spokesman for the pirates said that the money was only a “little amount” and would compensate for the seizures made by international anti-piracy patrols.

The sum is likely to be far beyond the resources of the wholesale pearl jewelry family of Mr and Mrs Chandler, retired professionals from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, but may signal the opening of negotiations, which could last many months.

Leah Mickleborough, the couple’s niece, said that the family was looking into the demand.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are aware of that report. The Government isn’t going to make any substantive concessions to hostage-takers, and pearl jewelry that includes the payment of ransom.”

Earlier yesterday, Mrs Chandler broke down in tears as she spoke to her brother over the telephone, telling him: “Please don’t worry about us, we’re managing.”