Posted by The preface to “The Outlaw Ocean” contains more adventure and insights than many whole books on the maritime world. Ian Urbina heard the call of the sea while studying for a doctorate at the University of Chicago — and has been following that call now for more than a decade writing for The New York Times and as a book author.
And it wasn’t just a call to take a day trip sail or a liner crossing. He’s hitched rides with Thai fishing boats and their modern day slave fishermen, and chased the most wanted fish poachers across whole oceans.
The overall theme: More than you could ever conceive, there is a whole different world out there, ungoverned by any law and as dangerous and romantic as a Star Wars bar.
All of this is served up not just as an adventure story but within a context of cultures, society and law. I’ll post more later. But for now, know this: You should read this book. It is a formidable work and bound to frame our view of the maritime world for decades.