English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English [Black Friday Freebie #2] The Hijacking Of The Achille Lauro
Nov 24, 2025
In 1985, the Achille Lauro cruise ship was hijacked by armed men linked to the Palestinian Liberation Front. The gripping story includes intense negotiations, the murder of a disabled passenger, and a standoff between US and Italian forces in Sicily. The aftermath saw trials for the hijackers and a surprising escape for their leader, Abu Abbas. The incident dramatically impacted international relations and laws governing hijackings. With twists and diplomacy at every turn, it's a tale of tension and tragedy on the high seas.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Anniversary Cruise Turned Tragic
- Leon Klinghoffer and his wife boarded the Achille Lauro to celebrate their 36th anniversary.
- The cruise promised pools, a cinema and private balconies, but Leon would never leave the ship alive.
Hijackers Storm The Dining Room
- Four men revealed themselves during lunch, storming the dining room with machine guns and grenades.
- They rounded up passengers, forced the captain to sail for Tartus, and ordered crew not to send distress signals.
One SOS Triggered Global Response
- An SOS from the ship reached Gothenburg and triggered an international response including US special forces.
- The incident shows how a single distress call can rapidly internationalise a crisis.