The Catch: The Real Freshwater Five Story Podcast with Raphael Rowe cover art

The Catch: The Real Freshwater Five Story

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The Catch: The Real Freshwater Five Story

By: Raphael Rowe
Narrated by: Raphael Rowe
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About this listen

The story of the Freshwater Five is either one of the biggest drug busts in British history or one of its greatest miscarriages of justice.

In 2011 a group of fishermen living on the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England, were convicted of one of the largest, most audacious drug-smuggling plots in British history. They were accused of scooping up £53 mill ($69 mill) worth of pure cocaine in the dead of night from the middle of the English Channel.

The men were given combined sentences of 104 years in prison. But they maintain their innocence and are fighting to clear their names.

Presented by Raphael Rowe, a journalist who himself spent 12 years locked up for a crime he didn’t commit, this series delves into both sides of the case, exploring each twist and turn, to piece together the real Freshwater Five story.

A Message Heard production for Audible Original Podcasts.

©2022 Audible, Ltd (P)2022 Audible, Ltd Organized Crime True Crime
Episodes
  • Ep. 1: The Judgement

    Ep. 1: The Judgement
    Feb 24 2022

    Raphael meets Danny, one of the Freshwater Five, and his lawyer Emily Bolton. As they fight to get Danny’s case overturned, Raphael quickly realises this story will take him to some unexpected places.
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    20 mins
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  • Ep. 2: Fishing in the Storm

    Ep. 2: Fishing in the Storm
    Feb 24 2022

    Travelling to the scene of the cocaine bust on the Isle of Wight, Raphael hears the accused men recount their version of events. They claim it was impossible for them to have picked up the drugs that night. But if they’re telling the truth, who else is lying?
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    27 mins
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  • Ep. 3: The Police Cliffhanger

    Ep. 3: The Police Cliffhanger
    Feb 24 2022

    The Freshwater Five's lawyer, Emily Bolton tells Raphael there’s something very wrong about the evidence against the men, and that she has an expert witness to back up her claim.
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    30 mins
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All stars
Most relevant
Very interesting and well-constructed podcast series which covers a lot of (captivating) ground in a short period of time. Highly recommend.

Excellent podcast

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very well presented and thought out . Both a fascinating an easy listen. Not what a usually listen to but will certainly look out for similar again.

A great listen

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Really interesting and gripping. Listened all through without stopping. You zip between thinking they are guilty and innocent, have to say I think I know what I think.

Fascinating

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This is the second freshwater 5 podcast I have listened to after the guardian’s. This sheds more info on the case to give the listener a different opinion.

Excellent honest piece

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Fascinating story, well worth a listen - if it were fiction, you would not believe it.

Great analysis and objectivity.

Criminologist, I am.

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