Modern Wisdom #478 - Kit Chellel - The Wild Hijacking Of A $100 Million Supertanker
May 26, 2022
Kit Chellel, a senior reporter at Bloomberg and author of "Dead in the Water," unravels the riveting saga of the Brilliante Virtuoso supertanker hijacking. He reveals the dark dynamics of modern piracy and the tangled web of insurance claims fueled by corruption. Chellel discusses the perilous situation for the crew against armed pirates in the Gulf of Aden, and the complex investigations plagued by legal loopholes and systemic complacency. The emotional toll on families of victims and the intricacies of maritime fraud highlight the moral ambiguities of global shipping.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Modern Shipping's Lawless Nature
- Modern shipping, despite technological advancements, remains surprisingly lawless and secretive.
- It's dominated by wealthy individuals and operates outside public view, fostering crime.
Shipping's Importance
- 90% of goods, from electronics to food, are transported by ships.
- Our reliance on shipping has actually increased throughout history, making its vulnerabilities more significant.
Maritime Law's Limited Reach
- Maritime law's jurisdiction extends only 10 miles offshore, leaving vast areas lawless.
- This legal loophole makes it difficult to prosecute crimes at sea, attracting criminal activity.
