Blood Ransom: Stories from the Front Line in the War against Somali Piracy - Hardcover

Boyle, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1472912675 ISBN 13: 9781472912671

Publisher: Adlard Coles, 2015

Synopsis

For the first time in history, the navies of the world have united against a common enemy - a couple of thousand rag-tag, underfed men and boys in the western Indian Ocean. Crammed into open boats and armed with ancient AK-47s, they range up to a thousand miles from home shores in Somalia. No one knows how many die at sea. But occasionally they hit the jackpot, seizing vessels and crews to be ransomed for millions of dollars. This is a war that has estimated to have cost the global economy as much as $18 billion in a single year.

Lawyer turned award-winning filmmaker John Boyle takes us with him in this investigation into modern-day piracy. We meet all those involved - from pirates to presidents, naval commanders to negotiators,and heroes to hostages. He addresses why these young men are choosing to risk their lives and freedom; the reality of life as a pirate; the defence tactics used by the international navies and shipping vessels; and what happens next.

About this title

About the Author

John Boyle studied PPE at Oxford, then went on to set up his own legal firm, selling it after 15 years to focus on documentary film production. Over the following 25 years he has filmed and produced over thirty documentaries, which have sold worldwide. National Geographic are his exclusive television sales agents. He writes all his own documentary scripts, and narrates and writes for other producers. Current projects include a film on rhino poaching in South Africa, a documentary for the BBC, and an underwater series in Mexico for National Geographic.

Edition details

• Publisher: Adlard Coles
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1472912675
• ISBN 13: 9781472912671
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304