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  
don't know guilt or innocence but then I suppose only the 5 really know ( or 7). 100% believe we should not have our whole lives judged by our worst 15 minutes, but the court of public opinion often judges harshly.

Well worth a listen

None the wiser but a very balanced report

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I don't know what I think but well investigated and presented. I just don't believe that what people have done in the past should be enough to convict them of a crime. The police came across as corrupt, as always.

interesting

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Listened to the whole series in one sitting. Really good reporting from Raphael and his team, narrated in his signature style. Twists to keep the story moving. Definitely recommended listening.

Quality reporting

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Very well presented by the Raphael Rowe. Brilliant and thorough research. Will leave judgment to others. You never know what will emerge in the future.

Who knows

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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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Rafael Rowe is a compelling narrator. Interesting take on this case. Full of twists. Well worth downloading.

Gripping

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I enjoyed this podcast for casual listening. It's quite clear to me that the individuals concerned (the freshwater 5) are guilty, but I suspect they were coerced and they likely had no idea of the gravity of the situation. Maybe they were offered a couple of grand each and were naive/stupid enough to accept it without considering the implications. That's my conclusion!

Things are rarely 'black and white'

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Better than the Guardian podcast as it’s more even handed. There’s a lot more background and information which may sway your opinion but ultimately there isn’t a clear judgement upon innocent or guilt of the Freshwater Five (Seven). In saying that the narrator is good and the facts laid out well. Well worth a download

Good podcast series

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I found this podcast very interesting. It was clearly and concisely presented and I am unable to decide if they were innocent or not. Well worth listening to.

It's a conundrum.

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I believe the 4 British men to be innocent of the crime of drug trafficking.
But I have some questions over Vince.
I find the reason someone had to travel to the mainland to escort him and his 2 friends back to the island very strange. If he was just an illegal immigration how did he manage to get 2 people to escort him and why he didn't make the journey on his own.
i do, however, believe everything Danny and the other 3 fisherman have said. They had too much to lose
to try to meet with a very large ship in the dark. They would have had time to carry out a transfer in 3 mins
I find it unbelievable that the police on the hill didn't take pictures and their excuses were were pathetic.

Well researched

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