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Hijacked : A True Story of Surviving 331 Days with Somali Pirates
256 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 17, 2025
This is the story of the merchant navy officer of 331 days in the Somalian pirate area.A compelling story of hardship and the power of human resilience, it a first-person account of the perils of being a maritime officer and how treacherous life on the high seas can be not only deep water but other danger lurking at somewhere for hunt of there own survival.
On 11 April 2010, Pralav Dhyani, a freshly recruited deck officer in training on a cargo merchant vessel, was contemplating the intense discipline life at sea would require from him because his past mistakes in Canada and bad experience he wanted to change for his future and left Canada for good , and his family stand by him and help him choose a good career path for his bright future, but on his first mission, when armed pirates forcefully boarded the ship off the coast of Africa. His journey started as a casual fun loving picnic where they missed duties hours and drinking at irregular hours which led to problems but to put him straight, Captain Ram made sure that discipline should be ensued in person or life will take you on a dangerous journey. As later in the story, on their way when suddenly there ship had a failure engine and As confusion ensued, one thing became clear to the MV RAK Afrikana was being hijacked. It was the beginning of a nightmare that Pralav and all of twenty-one-has never been able to forget.
The crew was taken to an obscure location in Somalia, from where negotiations commenced with their ship's company for their release. For 331 days, the small band of men, who had come together from different countries to earn a living for their families, stuck together through mock executions and mental torture, terror and betrayal, but will power that they will return to there houses freely and everything gonna be okay, they been through enough ordeal but they stand and lost few due to bad health.
Once they got free and been through hell , now back to there houses, the transformation from the journey told them one should prepare for worst and life is much more meaningful then drunk parties and indiscipline behaviour and one should be prepared for any circumstances come what may to stand against it.
On 11 April 2010, Pralav Dhyani, a freshly recruited deck officer in training on a cargo merchant vessel, was contemplating the intense discipline life at sea would require from him because his past mistakes in Canada and bad experience he wanted to change for his future and left Canada for good , and his family stand by him and help him choose a good career path for his bright future, but on his first mission, when armed pirates forcefully boarded the ship off the coast of Africa. His journey started as a casual fun loving picnic where they missed duties hours and drinking at irregular hours which led to problems but to put him straight, Captain Ram made sure that discipline should be ensued in person or life will take you on a dangerous journey. As later in the story, on their way when suddenly there ship had a failure engine and As confusion ensued, one thing became clear to the MV RAK Afrikana was being hijacked. It was the beginning of a nightmare that Pralav and all of twenty-one-has never been able to forget.
The crew was taken to an obscure location in Somalia, from where negotiations commenced with their ship's company for their release. For 331 days, the small band of men, who had come together from different countries to earn a living for their families, stuck together through mock executions and mental torture, terror and betrayal, but will power that they will return to there houses freely and everything gonna be okay, they been through enough ordeal but they stand and lost few due to bad health.
Once they got free and been through hell , now back to there houses, the transformation from the journey told them one should prepare for worst and life is much more meaningful then drunk parties and indiscipline behaviour and one should be prepared for any circumstances come what may to stand against it.
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May 12, 2025
I picked up Hijacked because I’ve been wanting to read more nonfiction this year and what a powerful addition it’s been to my shelf!
From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the unimaginable ordeal of a 21-year-old seafarer who, along with his crew, was held hostage by Somali pirates for 331 long, terrifying days aboard the RAK Afrikana.
This is not just a story of survival — it’s a raw, unflinching account of what it means to endure. The fear, the hunger, the despair, and the emotional toll of captivity are described with such honesty that you can’t help but feel it all.
The writing is simple and engaging, yet deeply impactful. Even someone with no maritime background, like me, can grasp the ship’s workings and the constant danger the crew faced — thanks to the author’s clear, accessible style.
What makes this story truly unforgettable is how human it is. There are no grand embellishments or dramatic flourishes. Just the truth — steady, painful, and powerful. The pain and anxiety endured by the family members and loved ones is unimaginable!
The author doesn't position himself as a hero, but as a man who survived something that should never have happened. His vulnerability, his reflections, and his ultimate gratitude for life and family make this book so much more than a recounting of a hostage crisis.
Captain Ram’s strength and leadership stood out as a beacon of hope, and the unbreakable bond between the crew members — forged through fear and uncertainty — is a testament to human resilience.
At its heart, Hijacked is a story about courage, faith, and the quiet but relentless power of hope. It made me reflect on what truly matters, and how strength sometimes looks like simply holding on, one day at a time.
Last but not least, the cover — simple yet striking — perfectly captures the essence of the book and its powerful theme.It is a fitting reflection of the book’s profound and gripping theme.
Whether you’re curious about life at sea, drawn to real-life survival stories, or just want to read something that will stay with you long after the last page — this book is worth every minute
From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the unimaginable ordeal of a 21-year-old seafarer who, along with his crew, was held hostage by Somali pirates for 331 long, terrifying days aboard the RAK Afrikana.
This is not just a story of survival — it’s a raw, unflinching account of what it means to endure. The fear, the hunger, the despair, and the emotional toll of captivity are described with such honesty that you can’t help but feel it all.
The writing is simple and engaging, yet deeply impactful. Even someone with no maritime background, like me, can grasp the ship’s workings and the constant danger the crew faced — thanks to the author’s clear, accessible style.
What makes this story truly unforgettable is how human it is. There are no grand embellishments or dramatic flourishes. Just the truth — steady, painful, and powerful. The pain and anxiety endured by the family members and loved ones is unimaginable!
The author doesn't position himself as a hero, but as a man who survived something that should never have happened. His vulnerability, his reflections, and his ultimate gratitude for life and family make this book so much more than a recounting of a hostage crisis.
Captain Ram’s strength and leadership stood out as a beacon of hope, and the unbreakable bond between the crew members — forged through fear and uncertainty — is a testament to human resilience.
At its heart, Hijacked is a story about courage, faith, and the quiet but relentless power of hope. It made me reflect on what truly matters, and how strength sometimes looks like simply holding on, one day at a time.
Last but not least, the cover — simple yet striking — perfectly captures the essence of the book and its powerful theme.It is a fitting reflection of the book’s profound and gripping theme.
Whether you’re curious about life at sea, drawn to real-life survival stories, or just want to read something that will stay with you long after the last page — this book is worth every minute
April 28, 2025
Pralav Dhyani's 'Hijacked' is his soul-stirring account of his ship being hijacked by Somali Pirates. Dhyani recollects his experience as a sailor in RAK Afrikana stretches along the attack of armed pirates.
As the story progresses, we read about the fears, the scarcity and survival of the fittest and smartest.
Dhyani shares how often doubts would blind their hopeful eyes, but it was just the resilience of the crew and their coordination that made every low achievable.
For 331 days, the group of sailors, with their backgrounds different from one another were captured and taken to the obsolete location of Somali.
With each passing day, the Dhyani and other men had to survive through sarcasm or submission and each time the complexity of piracy exploded upon them, the men should be resilient to resolve and take a step to victory.
Each day felt far from being freed and the torture shrunk hopes. This book not only elaborates on the sailor's plight but also describes of pirates' characters- their language, their way of living, the armours they carried that fascinated Dhyani.
Through these. 331 days, the crew held strong through food scarcities, physical weakness, and various adjustments- making their way out of the maze of political piracy.
'Hijacked' is overall a story of survival, of believing in each other and winning through atrocities. It signifies how much people are important in life, especially the family, for whom you wouldn't want to lose any battles, whether in life or with pirates. Their presence, conversations and learnings shape us subconsciously and click at the right time in need.
As the story progresses, we read about the fears, the scarcity and survival of the fittest and smartest.
Dhyani shares how often doubts would blind their hopeful eyes, but it was just the resilience of the crew and their coordination that made every low achievable.
For 331 days, the group of sailors, with their backgrounds different from one another were captured and taken to the obsolete location of Somali.
With each passing day, the Dhyani and other men had to survive through sarcasm or submission and each time the complexity of piracy exploded upon them, the men should be resilient to resolve and take a step to victory.
Each day felt far from being freed and the torture shrunk hopes. This book not only elaborates on the sailor's plight but also describes of pirates' characters- their language, their way of living, the armours they carried that fascinated Dhyani.
Through these. 331 days, the crew held strong through food scarcities, physical weakness, and various adjustments- making their way out of the maze of political piracy.
'Hijacked' is overall a story of survival, of believing in each other and winning through atrocities. It signifies how much people are important in life, especially the family, for whom you wouldn't want to lose any battles, whether in life or with pirates. Their presence, conversations and learnings shape us subconsciously and click at the right time in need.
May 7, 2025
Right from my childhood, I’ve heard many tales about Somali pirates and how dominating and dangerous they have been. But reading about the same Somali pirates through the eyes of someone who experienced them firsthand truly intrigued me.
Hijacked by Pralav Dhyani is a poignant recollection of his experience and survival during the hijack of his ship, RAK Africana, by Somali pirates when he had just started as a junior cadet.
In the book, the author talks about how he and the crew were held hostage for 331 days in Somalia. As you flip through the pages, you will be able to visualize and feel the emotional and physical plight the crew endured during their 11 months of imprisonment at the hands of their ruthless captors. Pralav has beautifully captured the raw emotions of fear, despair, longing, and perseverance. His recollection offers insight into life under captivity, the dynamics between hostages and captors, and the internal battles and extreme emotional strength each hostage had to summon to endure such an ordeal.
He portrays these emotions with such beauty and in such simple language that, as I read, I could feel every emotion—felt a lump in my throat when things took a turn for the worse and genuine joyous emotions clouded my eyes when they were finally handed their freedom.
He has been very straightforward and provided clear explanations for all the technical terms, which made it easier for readers outside the shipping industry to understand without making it feel dry or boring.
So even if you're someone who usually stays miles away from non-fiction, you should pick this book up—to experience and feel a part of what the author and his crew went through.
Hijacked by Pralav Dhyani is a poignant recollection of his experience and survival during the hijack of his ship, RAK Africana, by Somali pirates when he had just started as a junior cadet.
In the book, the author talks about how he and the crew were held hostage for 331 days in Somalia. As you flip through the pages, you will be able to visualize and feel the emotional and physical plight the crew endured during their 11 months of imprisonment at the hands of their ruthless captors. Pralav has beautifully captured the raw emotions of fear, despair, longing, and perseverance. His recollection offers insight into life under captivity, the dynamics between hostages and captors, and the internal battles and extreme emotional strength each hostage had to summon to endure such an ordeal.
He portrays these emotions with such beauty and in such simple language that, as I read, I could feel every emotion—felt a lump in my throat when things took a turn for the worse and genuine joyous emotions clouded my eyes when they were finally handed their freedom.
He has been very straightforward and provided clear explanations for all the technical terms, which made it easier for readers outside the shipping industry to understand without making it feel dry or boring.
So even if you're someone who usually stays miles away from non-fiction, you should pick this book up—to experience and feel a part of what the author and his crew went through.
May 4, 2025
Book Review: Hijacked by Pralav Dhyani
Pralav Dhyani gives a gripping, heart-wrenching, and utterly personal account of survival, survival, and existence lived at sea. Based on real-life experience as a deck officer who was a teenager at the time whose ship, the MV RAK Afrikana, was hijacked off the African coast, Dhyani brings readers into a netherworld of terror, fear, and courage.
The author brings a gripping eleven-month saga to life—331 days of imprisonment in Somalia, where Pralav and his crew survived mock killings, psychological tortures, betrayal, and the psychological suffocation of being held at the mercy of ruthless captors. Vividly with honesty, Dhyani traces the horrors they went through and the internal battles each of the men had to wage to stay sane, hopeful, and as a team.
Not a survival epic, Hijacked is a compelling testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through rich prose and heartfelt candor, Dhyani places readers at the center of the crisis, revealing a glimpse into the sometimes-grungy, frequently-forgotten existence of mariners.
Raw, unvarnished, and unabashed, Hijacked is a read that everyone who wishes to be enlightened on true survival stories, life at sea, or the sheer power of common people to survive the unconceivable should read.
Pralav Dhyani gives a gripping, heart-wrenching, and utterly personal account of survival, survival, and existence lived at sea. Based on real-life experience as a deck officer who was a teenager at the time whose ship, the MV RAK Afrikana, was hijacked off the African coast, Dhyani brings readers into a netherworld of terror, fear, and courage.
The author brings a gripping eleven-month saga to life—331 days of imprisonment in Somalia, where Pralav and his crew survived mock killings, psychological tortures, betrayal, and the psychological suffocation of being held at the mercy of ruthless captors. Vividly with honesty, Dhyani traces the horrors they went through and the internal battles each of the men had to wage to stay sane, hopeful, and as a team.
Not a survival epic, Hijacked is a compelling testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through rich prose and heartfelt candor, Dhyani places readers at the center of the crisis, revealing a glimpse into the sometimes-grungy, frequently-forgotten existence of mariners.
Raw, unvarnished, and unabashed, Hijacked is a read that everyone who wishes to be enlightened on true survival stories, life at sea, or the sheer power of common people to survive the unconceivable should read.
May 5, 2025
I am sure all of you must have imagined you rescuing your class from attacks, but honestly would never want to be in that situation - I know how I have saved my classroom from masked thieves and fires and what not in my imagination but would start crying at the sight of a lizard!
In Hijacked, Pralav shares a raw account of what it means to survive being held hostage by Somali pirates for nearly a year. It’s a story of endurance, brotherhood, and quiet resilience under extreme psychological and physical pressure.
At just 22, Pralav was a cadet aboard MV RAK Afrikana when it was seized off the coast of Seychelles. Though he was not a goody goody child at all, read his story to know how he managed to get there. What follows is the slow burn of captivity, the monotony, the fear, the psychological warfare, and the small moments that kept hope alive. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how he shows the human side of a crisis usually reduced to headlines and statistics.
What also makes Hijacked different is how author doesn’t just tell us what happened but he explores the reasons that might have caused it, shedding light on the global inequalities and socio-economic desperation that fuel piracy.
In Hijacked, Pralav shares a raw account of what it means to survive being held hostage by Somali pirates for nearly a year. It’s a story of endurance, brotherhood, and quiet resilience under extreme psychological and physical pressure.
At just 22, Pralav was a cadet aboard MV RAK Afrikana when it was seized off the coast of Seychelles. Though he was not a goody goody child at all, read his story to know how he managed to get there. What follows is the slow burn of captivity, the monotony, the fear, the psychological warfare, and the small moments that kept hope alive. One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how he shows the human side of a crisis usually reduced to headlines and statistics.
What also makes Hijacked different is how author doesn’t just tell us what happened but he explores the reasons that might have caused it, shedding light on the global inequalities and socio-economic desperation that fuel piracy.
May 6, 2025
Hijacked by Pralav Dhyani is a gripping true story of real life experiences of surviving 331 days with the Somali Pirates. It becomes more terrifying to read the book knowing it actually happened to a 21-year-old deck officer who was just starting his career at the sea, whose cargo ship was captured by Somali pirates, leading to a harrowing 331-day hostage ordeal. The storyline is raw. It has an immersive narration capturing the physical terror including the deep psychological trauma which was endured by the crew.
This was different from just any typical survival story. It was brutally honest, emotionally intense portrayal of real-life resilience under unthinkable pressure.
The book is succinct yet emotionally rich storytelling, noting how it delivers depth without dragging. While it doesn't delve deeply into geopolitical context, it excels at conveying the human experience of fear, helplessness, and endurance. The reader would come away moved, haunted, and angry at the injustice and abandonment the crew faced. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in true survival tales that hit hard and stay with you.
This was different from just any typical survival story. It was brutally honest, emotionally intense portrayal of real-life resilience under unthinkable pressure.
The book is succinct yet emotionally rich storytelling, noting how it delivers depth without dragging. While it doesn't delve deeply into geopolitical context, it excels at conveying the human experience of fear, helplessness, and endurance. The reader would come away moved, haunted, and angry at the injustice and abandonment the crew faced. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in true survival tales that hit hard and stay with you.
May 8, 2025
"Hijacked" is an unforgettable, and deeply moving memoir. It pulls you right into the heart of a harrowing real-life ordeal. At just 21 years old, Dhyani found himself living every sailor’s worst nightmare. He was taken hostage by Somali pirates for 331 days aboard the MV RAK Afrikana.
The author’s writing does not rely on exaggerations. Every moment of fear, despair, and courage feels real.
The author's storytelling makes you feel as if you are right there alongside him—feeling the barrel of a gun pointed at his head, enduring the long stretches of uncertainty, and clinging to slivers of hope in the darkest of times.
But Hijacked isn’t just a survival story. It’s stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit along with the unbreakable bonds formed in crisis. Beyond the fear and trauma, the memoir shed light on the moments of camaraderie among the crew. How the men from different backgrounds persevered against a shared struggle.
Whether you’re a fan of true crime or survival memoirs, Hijacked is a must-read. It’s a haunting, powerful reminder of how fragile safety can be—and how, even in the bleakest moments, hope and human connection can endure.
The author’s writing does not rely on exaggerations. Every moment of fear, despair, and courage feels real.
The author's storytelling makes you feel as if you are right there alongside him—feeling the barrel of a gun pointed at his head, enduring the long stretches of uncertainty, and clinging to slivers of hope in the darkest of times.
But Hijacked isn’t just a survival story. It’s stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit along with the unbreakable bonds formed in crisis. Beyond the fear and trauma, the memoir shed light on the moments of camaraderie among the crew. How the men from different backgrounds persevered against a shared struggle.
Whether you’re a fan of true crime or survival memoirs, Hijacked is a must-read. It’s a haunting, powerful reminder of how fragile safety can be—and how, even in the bleakest moments, hope and human connection can endure.
May 5, 2025
Hijacked is a gripping, real life story of 21 year old Pralav Dhyani and his crew, who are taken hostage by Somali pirates for 331 days. From the moment the pirates storm the ship, the tension is palpable, and the fear feels real. Dhyani’s simple yet powerful writing pulls you in, making you feel every bit of their struggle, physical and emotional.
What sets this book apart is the way it goes beyond just the suspense of surviving pirates. It’s about the resilience and bond between the crew, who, despite their different backgrounds, hold it together through the worst of times. There are moments of intense fear, but also quiet acts of courage and hope that shine through.
Hijacked isn’t just a survival story, it’s a reminder of how quickly life can flip, and how true courage comes from facing your fears head on. It’s emotional, intense, and thought provoking. If you love real life thrillers with depth, this one will stay with you long after you finish reading.
What sets this book apart is the way it goes beyond just the suspense of surviving pirates. It’s about the resilience and bond between the crew, who, despite their different backgrounds, hold it together through the worst of times. There are moments of intense fear, but also quiet acts of courage and hope that shine through.
Hijacked isn’t just a survival story, it’s a reminder of how quickly life can flip, and how true courage comes from facing your fears head on. It’s emotional, intense, and thought provoking. If you love real life thrillers with depth, this one will stay with you long after you finish reading.
May 4, 2025
Let me tell you Hijacked isn't just another survival story. It grabs you right from the start and doesn’t let you breathe easy until the very end. Knowing this is a true story, that it actually happened to a 21-year-old guy just starting his career at sea, makes every moment hit harder.
You can almost feel the fear seep through the pages the ticking seconds, the barrel of an AK-47 aimed at your head, the terrifying realization, ahh this could be it. It's not some fictionalized Hollywood drama where you know the hero will miraculously escape. It's real. It’s messy. It’s raw. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
The book pulls you straight into the nightmare pirates storming the ship, the brutal uncertainty, being hauled off to some unknown place in Somalia. 331 days of being mentally shredded, clinging to hope while facing betrayal, terror, mock executions... It’s the kind of story that makes you stop and think about how insanely fragile safety really is.
And honestly? Hijacked made me angry. Angry at the injustice. Angry that these men just trying to do their jobs were left to rot for nearly a year while politics and negotiations dragged on. It also made me deeply respect the sheer willpower and resilience people can have when everything is stacked against them.
Pralav’s experience isn’t just about survival it’s about the way trauma stitches itself into your bones. It's about the ugly reality of the high seas, far away from the romanticized idea of maritime life.
If you're looking for a book that's thrilling but also haunting, inspiring but brutally honest Hijacked is it. I’m still thinking about it long after closing the last page.
You can almost feel the fear seep through the pages the ticking seconds, the barrel of an AK-47 aimed at your head, the terrifying realization, ahh this could be it. It's not some fictionalized Hollywood drama where you know the hero will miraculously escape. It's real. It’s messy. It’s raw. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
The book pulls you straight into the nightmare pirates storming the ship, the brutal uncertainty, being hauled off to some unknown place in Somalia. 331 days of being mentally shredded, clinging to hope while facing betrayal, terror, mock executions... It’s the kind of story that makes you stop and think about how insanely fragile safety really is.
And honestly? Hijacked made me angry. Angry at the injustice. Angry that these men just trying to do their jobs were left to rot for nearly a year while politics and negotiations dragged on. It also made me deeply respect the sheer willpower and resilience people can have when everything is stacked against them.
Pralav’s experience isn’t just about survival it’s about the way trauma stitches itself into your bones. It's about the ugly reality of the high seas, far away from the romanticized idea of maritime life.
If you're looking for a book that's thrilling but also haunting, inspiring but brutally honest Hijacked is it. I’m still thinking about it long after closing the last page.
May 7, 2025
331 days in captivity. One unforgettable story of courage.
Just finished Hijacked by Pralav Dhyani and I’m blown away.
This is a gripping first-hand account of how the author survived 331 days on a hijacked ship, held hostage by Somali pirates. The writing is crisp and straight to the point, making you feel every moment of fear, uncertainty, and courage. At just 21, Pralav and his crew endured nearly a year of fear, mock executions, and isolation.
I could vividly imagine what he must have gone through. It is intense, raw, and deeply moving.
More than just a survival story, Hijacked is a powerful reminder of the human spirit, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of team spirit.
Just finished Hijacked by Pralav Dhyani and I’m blown away.
This is a gripping first-hand account of how the author survived 331 days on a hijacked ship, held hostage by Somali pirates. The writing is crisp and straight to the point, making you feel every moment of fear, uncertainty, and courage. At just 21, Pralav and his crew endured nearly a year of fear, mock executions, and isolation.
I could vividly imagine what he must have gone through. It is intense, raw, and deeply moving.
More than just a survival story, Hijacked is a powerful reminder of the human spirit, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of team spirit.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews