Former hostage Wood a sick man

He may be celebrating his freedom, but former hostage Douglas Wood is a sick man who believes his 47-day ordeal has also cost him A$2 million ($2.2 million) in lost contracts.

The Australian engineer, rescued from his Iraqi captors a fortnight ago, revealed yesterday that he is suffering from numerous illnesses and may lose his eyesight.

The 63-year-old Wood said that since being freed he had been diagnosed with diabetes, malnutrition and the eye disease glaucoma.

He confirmed his rescue had more to do with luck than any negotiations on his behalf.