Julian Dorey Podcast #372 - “NIGHTMARE!” - Somali Pirate Hostage on 977 Days Inside HELL HOLE | Michael Scott Moore • 372
Jan 9, 2026
Michael Scott Moore, a novelist and journalist who was held captive by Somali pirates for 977 days, shares his harrowing story. He discusses the rise of Somali piracy, detailing its roots in illegal fishing and economic hardship. Michael recounts the challenges of captivity, including adapting to minimal food and living conditions, and the complex emotions of hope and despair. He reflects on the psychological aftermath and his journey toward healing, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the value of supporting other hostages.
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Risky Reporting Trip To Galkaio
- Michael Scott Moore traveled to Galkaio with a fixer and armed clan guards to interview pirate bosses for a book project. The visit felt risky from the start when security arrangements frayed and gunfire signaled an unstable environment.
Piracy's Historic Resurgence
- Somali piracy represented a large-scale resurgence of maritime crime unseen in two centuries and reshaped naval priorities. The phenomenon revived historical reasons for navies and highlighted how order breakdowns abroad can demand new security responses.
State Collapse Fueled Pirate Mafias
- Somalia's lack of central government after 1991 let local clans and armed groups fill the vacuum, creating conditions for piracy. Illegal foreign fishing in the 1990s catalyzed armed local enforcement that evolved into organized pirate mafias.
