The Catch: The Real Freshwater Five Story

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. 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.

7 episodes

Old to New
Ep. 1: The Judgement
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.

Ep. 2: Fishing in the Storm
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?

Ep. 3: The Police Cliffhanger
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.

Ep. 4: Vic, the Migrant Worker
Emily’s expert witness talks to Raphael who reveals holes in the case which need to be addressed. And we learn more about the mysterious Balkan worker, Vic, and how he became one of the Freshwater Five.

Ep. 5: Dog-Loving Family Man
The story turns to the business of international drug smuggling, and the connections between Brazil and the Balkans. Raphael uncovers some shocking news about Vic’s previous life, which throws doubt on the men’s version of events.

Ep. 6: The Balkan Connection
An expert in Montenegro helps Raphael to throw light on the dramatic new information they’ve discovered about Vic.

Ep. 7: What Did You Know?
Raphael confronts Emily and Danny with the information he’s uncovered. What did everyone know? And what does this mean for the case?