Dead in the Water: A True Story of Hijacking, Murder, and a Global Maritime Conspiracy

Chosen as a Financial Times Book of the Year Recognized as an Economist Best Book of the Year

"An outstanding work of investigative journalism." — Tom Wright, coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Billion Dollar Whale

"A captivating read. Highly recommended!" — John Carreyrou, bestselling author of Bad Blood

"A truly gripping and chilling true-crime story that kept me on the edge of my seat." — Nick Bilton, bestselling author of American Kingpin

Prepare yourself for a thrilling journey through a world of maritime hijacking and a sprawling conspiracy, as award-winning journalists Matthew Campbell and Kit Chellel unveil the shocking truth behind a notorious case of criminal activity and an unsolved murder in their book, Dead in the Water.

In July 2011, the Brillante Virtuoso, an oil tanker navigating the treacherous Gulf of Aden, fell victim to a brutal pirate attack. The ship was set ablaze in a devastating explosion. However, when David Mockett, a Lloyd's of London maritime surveyor, examined the wreckage, he found himself confronted with more questions than answers. How did the pirates gain easy access to the vessel? If their goal was to steal the ship and negotiate its return, then why did they choose to destroy it? The pieces of the puzzle didn't fit, but before Mockett could provide any answers, he was fatally murdered.

Dead in the Water delves into the criminal underbelly of international shipping, focusing on the gripping story of the Brillante hijacking and its consequential aftermath. Campbell and Chellel paint a vivid picture by presenting firsthand accounts from the ship's crew, witnesses to the attacks, and former London detectives turned private investigators who were determined to uncover the truth behind Mockett's murder and seek justice for his family. Through their extensive reporting, the Bloomberg award-winning journalists expose an intricate web of conspiracy within the lawless realm of the age-old shipping industry, which remains the backbone of our modern global economy.

This meticulously researched book, the culmination of over four years of investigative work, reveals a world where fraud and deceit flourish, shedding light on a dark chapter in our contemporary history. Brace yourself for the unraveling of a mind-boggling scheme that will leave you stunned and questioning the very foundations of our global economic system.