Hostage/Hijack Survival
Hostage Survival Guidelines
Any traveller could become a hostage. The odds of that happening are extremely low when the number of travellers is compared to the number of people that have actually become a hostage. However, there is always that slim chance that a traveller could end up being in the wrong place at the wrong time. With this in mind, the traveller should make sure that his/her affairs are in order before they travel abroad. Items of particular importance to an individual in a hostage situation are having an up-to-date will, insurance policy and a power of attorney for the spouse. If these items have been taken care of before departure, the employee will not have to worry about the family's welfare and the hostage can focus all of his/her efforts on the one thing of paramount importance and that is SURVIVAL!
To survive, travellers should realise that there are certain dynamics involved in a hijacking or a kidnapping, and, to increase their ability to survive, they must understand how these interacting forces affect the end result. Each individual involved in an incident of this type will have an impact on the eventual outcome. One wrong move by either a victim or a perpetrator could easily result in a disaster rather than a peaceful conclusion to the incident.
The first thing that a traveller should remember is that he or she is not the only one that is scared and nervous. Everyone involved is in the same emotional state, including the perpetrators. Fear can trigger a disaster, and it does not take much for some individuals to set off a defensive spate of violence. Whether it is a demonstration of violence to reinforce a demand or to incite fear in the minds of the hostages, the violence will be motivated by fanaticism and/or fear and that violence will be directed at the person(s) who are perceived to be a threat or a nuisance to the hijackers.
To minimise the possibility of being selected for special attention by the perpetrators and to maximise your ability to survive a hostage situation, here are some guidelines to remember:
Hijacking Survival Guidelines
Noise, commotion, and possibly shooting and yelling may characterise the physical takeover of the aircraft by the hijackers, or it may be quiet and methodical with little more than an announcement by a crewmember. These first few minutes of the hijacking are crucial:
- Stay calm, and encourage others around you to do the same.
- Remember that the hijackers are extremely nervous and are possibly scared.
- Comply with your captor(s) directions.
- If shooting occurs, keep your head down or drop to the floor.
- Remain alert.
Once the takeover of the aircraft has occurred, you may be separated by citizenship, sex, race, etc. Your passport may be confiscated and your carry-on luggage ransacked. The aircraft may be diverted to another country. The hijackers may enter into a negotiation phase, which could last indefinitely, and/or the crew may be forced to fly the aircraft to yet another destination. During this phase passengers may be used as a bargaining tool in negotiations, lives may be threatened, or a number of passengers may be released in exchange for fuel, landing/departure rights, food, etc. This will be the longest phase of the hijacking:
- If you are told to keep your head down or maintain another body position, talk yourself into relaxing into the position; you may need to stay that way for some time.
- Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for a long ordeal.
- Do not attempt to hide your passport or belongings.
- If addressed by the hijackers, respond in a regulated tone of voice.
- Use your time wisely by observing the characteristics and behaviour of the hijackers, mentally attach nicknames to each one and notice their dress, facial features and temperaments.
- If you or nearby passengers are in need of assistance due to illness or discomfort, solicit the assistance of a crew member first - do not attempt to approach a hijacker unless similar assistance has been rendered by them for other passengers.
- If you are singled out by the hijackers, be responsive but do not volunteer information.
The last phase of the hijacking is resolution, be it by use of a hostage rescue team or resolution through negotiation. In the latter instance, the hijackers may simply surrender to authorities or abandon the aircraft, crew and passengers. In the case of a hostage rescue operation to resolve the hijacking:
- The characteristics of a hostage rescue force introduction into the aircraft will be similar to the hijacker's takeover - noise, chaos, possibly shooting - the rescue force is re-taking control of the aircraft.
- If you hear shots fired inside or outside the aircraft, immediately take a protective position - put your head down or drop to the floor.
- If instructed by a rescue force to move, do so quickly, putting your hands up in the air or behind your head; make no sudden movements.
- If fire or smoke appears, attempt to get emergency exits open, and use the inflatable slides or exit onto the wing.
- Once you are on the tarmac, follow the instructions of the rescue force or local authorities; if neither are there to guide you, move as quickly as possible away from the aircraft and eventually move towards the terminal or control tower area.
- Expect to be treated as a hijacker or co-conspirator by the rescue force; initially you will be treated roughly until the rescue force determines that you are not part of the hijacking team.
- Cooperate with local authorities in relating information about the hijacking.
Kidnapping Survival Guidelines
Kidnapping can take place in public areas where someone may quietly force you, by gunpoint, into a vehicle. They can also take place at a hotel or residence, again by using a weapon to force your cooperation in leaving the premises and entering a vehicle. The initial phase of kidnapping is a critical one because it provides one of the best opportunities to escape.
If you are in a public area at the time of abduction, make as much commotion as possible to draw attention to the situation.
If the abduction takes place at your hotel room, make noise, attempt to arouse the suspicion or concern of hotel employees or of those in neighbouring rooms - minimally, the fact that an abduction has taken place will be brought to the attention of authorities and the process of notification and search can begin. Otherwise, it could be hours or days before your absence is reported.
Once you have been forced into a vehicle, you may be blindfolded, physically attacked (to cause unconsciousness), drugged, or forced to lie face down on the floor of the vehicle. In some instances, hostages have been forced into trunks or specially built compartments for transporting contraband.
Do not struggle in your confined state; calm yourself mentally, concentrate on surviving.
Employ your mind by attempting to visualize the route being taken; take note of turns, street noise, smells, etc. Try to keep track of the amount of time spent between points.
Once you have arrived at your destination, you may be placed in a temporary holding area before being moved again to a more permanent detention site. If you are interrogated:
- Retain a sense of pride but be cooperative.
- Divulge only information that cannot be used against you.
- Do not antagonise your interrogator with obstinate behaviour.
- Concentrate on surviving; if you are to be used as a bargaining tool or to obtain ransom, you will be kept alive.
After reaching what you may presume to be your permanent detention site (you may be moved several more times), quickly settle into the situation:
- Be observant - Notice the details of the room, the sounds of activity in the building and determine the layout of the building by studying what is visible to you. Listen for sounds through walls, windows or out in the streets, and try to distinguish between smells.
Stay mentally active by memorising the aforementioned details. Exercise your memory and practice retention.
Keep track of time. Devise a way to track the day, date and the time, and use it to devise a daily schedule of activities for you.
Know your captors. Memorise their schedule, look for patterns of behaviour to be used to your advantage, and identify weaknesses or vulnerabilities.
Use all of the above information to seek opportunities to escape.
Remain cooperative. Attempt to establish rapport with your captors or guards. Once a level of communication is achieved, try asking for items that will increase your personal comfort. Make them aware of your needs.
Stay physically active. Even if your movement is extremely limited. Use isometric and flexing exercises to keep your muscles toned.
If you detect the presence of other hostages in the same building, devise ways to communicate.
DO NOT be uncooperative, antagonistic, or hostile towards your captors. It is a fact that hostages who display this type of behaviour are kept captive longer or are singled out for torture or punishment.
Watch for signs of Stockholm Syndrome that occurs when the captive, due to the close proximity and the constant pressures involved, begins to relate to, and empathise with, the captors. In some cases, this relationship has resulted in the hostage become empathetic to the point that he/she actively participates in the activities of the group. You should attempt to establish a friendly rapport with your captors, but maintain your personal dignity and do not compromise your integrity.
If you are able to escape, attempt to get first to your embassy or consulate to seek protection. If you cannot reach either, go to a host government or friendly government entity
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