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Published Nov 1, 2018

115: Michael Scott Moore | What It's Really like to Be a Pirate Hostage

Michael Scott Moore unveils the harrowing yet enlightening experience of being held hostage by Somali pirates for nearly three years, delving into the cultural underpinnings of piracy, the grueling psychological toll of captivity, and the intense process of negotiating freedom.
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  • Capture

    Michael Scott Moore recounts the harrowing experience of being captured by Somali pirates. He describes how a seemingly protective truck turned out to be a trap, leading to his abduction and the beginning of his 977-day ordeal 1. The roots of Somali piracy trace back to the collapse of Somalia's government in 1991, which left the coastline unprotected and vulnerable to illegal fishing. Local leaders initially sent armed men to stop these activities, but over time, piracy evolved into a more organized and profitable venture 2.

    Once it was really underway, the first thing I thought was how horrible it was going to be for my family because I didn't want my own adventures in difficult parts of the world to have an effect on my family.

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    Moore's initial disbelief quickly turned into concern for his family, who would be affected by his capture.

       

    Challenges

    During his captivity, Moore faced numerous challenges, including the psychological toll of isolation and the constant threat of violence. He describes waking up from dreams of normalcy only to find himself still a hostage, a cycle that was mentally exhausting 3. To cope, he practiced yoga and writing, which helped him detach from the emotional rollercoaster of hope and despair 4.

    The risk of deep and suicidal depression was very real. So I realized that, to save myself from that, I had to detach myself emotionally from the whole cycle.

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    These practices were crucial for maintaining his sanity throughout the ordeal.

       

    Release

    Negotiating Moore's release was a complex and drawn-out process, with pirates initially demanding an exorbitant ransom of $20 million 5. His mother played a pivotal role, managing to gather $1.6 million through contributions from family, friends, and organizations. The ransom was eventually paid, leading to Moore's release and return to safety 6.

    My mom talked him down. I mean, I have to say the pirates blinked at the end, but still there was a ransom that had to be paid of $1.6 million.

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    The experience left Moore with a profound sense of relief and gratitude for his freedom.

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