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Catching Thunder: The True Story of the World’s Longest Sea Chase
December, 2014: In the forbidding waters off Antarctica, Captain Hammarstedt of the Bob Barker sets off on a voyage unlike any seen before. Across ten thousand miles of hazardous seas, Hammarstedt's crew will relentlessly pursue the Thunder – an infamous illegal fishing ship – for what will become the longest chase in maritime history. Wanted by Interpol, the Thunder has for years evaded hunting endangered species and accumulating millions in profits.
The authors follow this incredible expedition from the beginning. But even as seasoned journalists, they cannot anticipate what the chase will uncover, as the wake of the Thunder leads them on the trail of criminal kingpins, rampant corruption, modern slavery and an international community content to turn a blind eye. Very soon, catching Thunder becomes not only a chase but a pursuit of the truth itself – and a symbolic race to preserve the well-being of our planet.
A Scandinavian bestseller, Catching Thunder is a remarkable true story of courage and perseverance, and a wake-up call to act against the destruction of our environments.
The authors follow this incredible expedition from the beginning. But even as seasoned journalists, they cannot anticipate what the chase will uncover, as the wake of the Thunder leads them on the trail of criminal kingpins, rampant corruption, modern slavery and an international community content to turn a blind eye. Very soon, catching Thunder becomes not only a chase but a pursuit of the truth itself – and a symbolic race to preserve the well-being of our planet.
A Scandinavian bestseller, Catching Thunder is a remarkable true story of courage and perseverance, and a wake-up call to act against the destruction of our environments.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
16 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 21, 2021
This is a good book that centers around the chase of the illegal fishing vessel, FV Thunder, by Sea Shepard activists for 110 days before it's demise off the West African coast. This in itself has some highlights, but the most readable parts of the book was the background of how this came about with the poaching of toothfish in the Antarctic waters by pirate fishing fleets and the difficult and bureaucratic network to navigate to find the owners of these operations and to pin them down. Nice read and recommended if you are interested in the subject matter.
August 23, 2017
It's strange to read, let alone review, a book in which you play a part. These two Norwegian journalists did an excellent job telling the story of the 110-day chase of the notorious toothfish poaching vessel Thunder by Sea Shepherd's Bob Barker that ended in the sinking of the first en the rescue of the Thunder;s crew by the latter. It is good to see that true investigative journalism still exists as the writers try to get behind the story of the chase in an attempt to identify the owner(s) of the Thunder. I'm happy to see that Operation Icefish is documented the way it deserves in this book and the TV-series Ocean Warriors.
January 22, 2019
This was such a captivating book. I'm a Sea Shepherd supporter, so usually I read everything Sea Shepherd related right away. I have a lot of respect for captain Peter Hammarstedt and it grew more after reading this book.
The author does a great job of telling the story - as you can see from the title it could potentially be very boring indeed! But the writing is really good. Some names got wrong in translation/writing, but that's not a big peeve for me.
There's also a short film about this adventure and I recommend it as well!
The author does a great job of telling the story - as you can see from the title it could potentially be very boring indeed! But the writing is really good. Some names got wrong in translation/writing, but that's not a big peeve for me.
There's also a short film about this adventure and I recommend it as well!
August 1, 2018
A book that gripped me from start to finish.
Norwegian journalists, Eskil Engdal and Kjetil Saeter, spent over two years digging into Sea Shepherd's chase after 'Thunder'. Thunder was the rogue fishing vessel that was poaching 'white gold' - Chilean Tooth Fish - inside Antarctic conservation areas. The journalists spent time in just about every continent putting together a harrowing tale of how organized crime, forgery, money laundering, bureaucracy and bribery has let the Galician mafia profit and escape prosecution for so long. The record-breaking chase by Sea Shepherd after Thunder is the terrific centrepiece to this very well researched and well written book.
Norwegian journalists, Eskil Engdal and Kjetil Saeter, spent over two years digging into Sea Shepherd's chase after 'Thunder'. Thunder was the rogue fishing vessel that was poaching 'white gold' - Chilean Tooth Fish - inside Antarctic conservation areas. The journalists spent time in just about every continent putting together a harrowing tale of how organized crime, forgery, money laundering, bureaucracy and bribery has let the Galician mafia profit and escape prosecution for so long. The record-breaking chase by Sea Shepherd after Thunder is the terrific centrepiece to this very well researched and well written book.
Read
June 19, 2018Engdal and Saeter are to journalism what Jagger and Richards are to rock and roll — sexy, irreverent and brilliant.
Luke Harding, Guardian Journalist and Author of The Snowden Files
This is the story of our time: the blind destruction of the oceans and our ecosphere, and the actions of those with the courage to stand up and confront it.
Peter Heller, Author of The Whale Warriors and Celine
Delivers a true story that reads like a spy novel, peppered with scary organised crime villains, charismatic environmental activists and Interpol agents, and enough tidbits about sailing treacherous seas, commercial fishing, and endangered species to satisfy the most dedicated nautical adventure fan.
Foreword Reviews
The pursuit of the Thunder has become celebrated folklore by those of us fighting to protect our oceans. This is a captivating story, one which highlights the weaknesses in the global system but also, ultimately, gives us hope.
Tony Long, CEO, Global Fishing Watch
Captain Hammarstedt’s bravery and spirit ride as high as the bow of the Bob Barker. True adventure, life and death moments, and real life heroism: what reader could ask for more?
Ingrid Newkirk, President, Peta
In this true account, two Norwegian Investigative journalists follow the expedition, from start to finish, in a piece that begins about illegal fishing, but that quickly spirals into an epic tale of corruption. slavery and criminal kingpins.
GQ Australia
A solid piece of collaborative journalism.
Sydney Morning Herald
Engdal and Sseter are energetic writers with a sense of pace and cinematic detail...an exciting read.
The Spectator Australia
Written like an action novel, this leaves no doubt who the bad guys and the heroes are.
Weekend Herald, Auckland
[A] remarkable true story … catching Thunder becomes not only a chase but a pursuit of the truth itself and a symbolic race to preserve the well-being of our planet.
Chain Reaction
Luke Harding, Guardian Journalist and Author of The Snowden Files
This is the story of our time: the blind destruction of the oceans and our ecosphere, and the actions of those with the courage to stand up and confront it.
Peter Heller, Author of The Whale Warriors and Celine
Delivers a true story that reads like a spy novel, peppered with scary organised crime villains, charismatic environmental activists and Interpol agents, and enough tidbits about sailing treacherous seas, commercial fishing, and endangered species to satisfy the most dedicated nautical adventure fan.
Foreword Reviews
The pursuit of the Thunder has become celebrated folklore by those of us fighting to protect our oceans. This is a captivating story, one which highlights the weaknesses in the global system but also, ultimately, gives us hope.
Tony Long, CEO, Global Fishing Watch
Captain Hammarstedt’s bravery and spirit ride as high as the bow of the Bob Barker. True adventure, life and death moments, and real life heroism: what reader could ask for more?
Ingrid Newkirk, President, Peta
In this true account, two Norwegian Investigative journalists follow the expedition, from start to finish, in a piece that begins about illegal fishing, but that quickly spirals into an epic tale of corruption. slavery and criminal kingpins.
GQ Australia
A solid piece of collaborative journalism.
Sydney Morning Herald
Engdal and Sseter are energetic writers with a sense of pace and cinematic detail...an exciting read.
The Spectator Australia
Written like an action novel, this leaves no doubt who the bad guys and the heroes are.
Weekend Herald, Auckland
[A] remarkable true story … catching Thunder becomes not only a chase but a pursuit of the truth itself and a symbolic race to preserve the well-being of our planet.
Chain Reaction
April 10, 2018
Great work by those who chased and revealed the mafia behind the poaching of the toothfish in Antarctic waters. The 3 stars are for the actual book. I don't know if it is the English translation or the original, but the whole thing lacks energy. It appears that the book wants to present itself as a sort of adventurous narration, but the choice of words, almost too proper, doesn't reflect it, and it turns the story into a sort of aseptic, uninvolved recount of the events. Also, the fact that the books jumps to different scenarios from one chapter to the next doesn't help to keep track of the complicated issues approached in the investigation.
July 18, 2020
This book decribes Sea Shepherds longest, and of it most succesful campaigns, the chase of the illegal fishing vessel the Thunder. The captivating story reads like a thriller, and the fact that it's a true story makes it even more impressive.
July 4, 2018
Interesting read about Sea Shepherd's Bob Barker chasing down the ship Thunder which was wanted by Interpol. The two journalist's who have written this book were heavily involved in things on the land side of the operation.
It is hard to imagine that a boat and crew who is listed as one of the most wanted on Interpol for illegal fishing and slavery was able to run for as long as they did. That no country wanted to intervene and help the Bob Barker bring this boat in to face justice - it was too hard, too political, let someone else handle it. The tale that is told here is of a skipper and a crew who put their lives on the line to stop this boat from illegal fishing, to try and force them to give themselves up. We must applaud their efforts.
The work going on behind the scenes was impressive and the monumental task that these two journalists set themselves was an adventure in and of itself. I didn't realise that the illegal fishing trade was such big business that people who are involved in shutting it down run the risk of death and threats from the 'mafia' style running of such operations.
It pains me to see that many did not help the Bob Barker because Sea Shepherd had such a bad rep amongst the countries. I hope that from this long chase people can now see that they are regular people, putting their life on the line for the marine life that they believe in. It is nice to see that there are some countries now who are getting in touch and requesting their assistance with programs.
Keep it up Gang!
It is hard to imagine that a boat and crew who is listed as one of the most wanted on Interpol for illegal fishing and slavery was able to run for as long as they did. That no country wanted to intervene and help the Bob Barker bring this boat in to face justice - it was too hard, too political, let someone else handle it. The tale that is told here is of a skipper and a crew who put their lives on the line to stop this boat from illegal fishing, to try and force them to give themselves up. We must applaud their efforts.
The work going on behind the scenes was impressive and the monumental task that these two journalists set themselves was an adventure in and of itself. I didn't realise that the illegal fishing trade was such big business that people who are involved in shutting it down run the risk of death and threats from the 'mafia' style running of such operations.
It pains me to see that many did not help the Bob Barker because Sea Shepherd had such a bad rep amongst the countries. I hope that from this long chase people can now see that they are regular people, putting their life on the line for the marine life that they believe in. It is nice to see that there are some countries now who are getting in touch and requesting their assistance with programs.
Keep it up Gang!
December 23, 2019
This is one of the books every nature lover should read. A true, real-life adventure about a four month pursuit to catch an illegal fishing boat Thunder - and also five other vessels "Wanted" by Interpol.
Alongside the chase the documentary gives a sinister picture of the corruption and avoidance of responsibility which makes the illegal fishing operations in the high seas possible. Most of the dirty strings lead to Spanish Fishing mafia in Galicia and their money laundry in Europe.
I respect the efforts of Sea Shepherd organization and the tireless work of their vessels, both hunting the illegal fishers and harassing Japanese whaling fleets on stormy seas. Doing the work many governments fail to do. Or don't want to do.
Sea Shepherd divides opinions as they are considered to be "too militant". But what else can you be with insensitive criminals who are just after money and give a shit about endangered species or human safety (not even their own crews).
My thumps are up for a bit more aggressive nature protection. The time of looking the other way has passed and somebody must act.
In literary sense the book is not perfect or even great, but it is very interesting and much like a long news report - not a surprise as both writers are reporters.
Salakalastajien jäljillä
LIKE 2018
Alongside the chase the documentary gives a sinister picture of the corruption and avoidance of responsibility which makes the illegal fishing operations in the high seas possible. Most of the dirty strings lead to Spanish Fishing mafia in Galicia and their money laundry in Europe.
I respect the efforts of Sea Shepherd organization and the tireless work of their vessels, both hunting the illegal fishers and harassing Japanese whaling fleets on stormy seas. Doing the work many governments fail to do. Or don't want to do.
Sea Shepherd divides opinions as they are considered to be "too militant". But what else can you be with insensitive criminals who are just after money and give a shit about endangered species or human safety (not even their own crews).
My thumps are up for a bit more aggressive nature protection. The time of looking the other way has passed and somebody must act.
In literary sense the book is not perfect or even great, but it is very interesting and much like a long news report - not a surprise as both writers are reporters.
Salakalastajien jäljillä
LIKE 2018
March 24, 2017
Väldigt intressant, och chockerande läsning - ännu ett exempel på hur vi väljer att se på vår värld som någon man kan göra man vill med - och förvänta sig att den återhämtar sig. Det gör den inte. Lagstiftningen är eftersatt och dessa kriminella undkommer gång efter annan. Nog måste det gå att göra mer?
Man kan bara beundra dessa människor som riskerar sina liv för att hjälpa jorden, och bli pinsamt generad över hur man själv inte gör tillräckligt.
Boken är välskriven. Den är inte helt kronologiskt upplagd, vilket emellanåt skapade lite förvirring när olika tjuvskeppare/fartyg omskrevs, men huvudhistorien är enkel. Det hade varit intressant att veta mer om vad de gör under dagarna -det står att de är "uttråkade" - och det kan man kanske förstå, men det hade ändå varit spännande att höra mer om hur en vanlig dag förlöpte. Vad gjorde de, vilka olika aktiviteter fanns där etc?
Jag läste den svenska översättningen/bearbetningen men hittar den inte här.
Man kan bara beundra dessa människor som riskerar sina liv för att hjälpa jorden, och bli pinsamt generad över hur man själv inte gör tillräckligt.
Boken är välskriven. Den är inte helt kronologiskt upplagd, vilket emellanåt skapade lite förvirring när olika tjuvskeppare/fartyg omskrevs, men huvudhistorien är enkel. Det hade varit intressant att veta mer om vad de gör under dagarna -det står att de är "uttråkade" - och det kan man kanske förstå, men det hade ändå varit spännande att höra mer om hur en vanlig dag förlöpte. Vad gjorde de, vilka olika aktiviteter fanns där etc?
Jag läste den svenska översättningen/bearbetningen men hittar den inte här.
August 16, 2018
This is a story full of deep sea adventures, a huge chase from the icy Antarctic to the sultry African coast, outlaw vigilante heroes, pirates, slavery, treasure (in the form of fish) and major organised crime.
It's also a fascinating look at how the Sea Shepherd organisation works and at it's deeply committed volunteers.
Given all of the above, it should be a page-turning rollicking yarn, full of cliff-hangers and excitement - but, unfortunately it doesn't read like that. Instead - perhaps because of the writing, or perhaps because of the translation - it plods along at a pedestrian pace with flat, dead prose, occasionally jumping about from scenario to scenario in a confusing fashion.
There's no doubt that it's an extraordinary story and I'm sure it will make a brilliant movie, it's just a shame the writing doesn't convey the thrill of this modern-day tale of derring do.
It's also a fascinating look at how the Sea Shepherd organisation works and at it's deeply committed volunteers.
Given all of the above, it should be a page-turning rollicking yarn, full of cliff-hangers and excitement - but, unfortunately it doesn't read like that. Instead - perhaps because of the writing, or perhaps because of the translation - it plods along at a pedestrian pace with flat, dead prose, occasionally jumping about from scenario to scenario in a confusing fashion.
There's no doubt that it's an extraordinary story and I'm sure it will make a brilliant movie, it's just a shame the writing doesn't convey the thrill of this modern-day tale of derring do.
October 15, 2018
fantastic story that gripped me for most of the book, and provides a look at an interesting side of environmental activism that i didn't know about.
however, something about the prose itself, possibly the translation, leads to it falling flat in a lot of places, especially near the end, where it seems to plod towards its ending with unconnected and unexplained scenes. i think this is a great story, it just needs some editing
however, something about the prose itself, possibly the translation, leads to it falling flat in a lot of places, especially near the end, where it seems to plod towards its ending with unconnected and unexplained scenes. i think this is a great story, it just needs some editing
January 4, 2019
Mielenkiintoinen kirja salakalastuksen maailmasta. Melko isoja rahoja tuollakin pyöritellään ja aika hurjaa touhua kaikenkaikkiaan. Hetkittäin kirja meinasi vähän käydä puuduttavaksi, kun kalastusaluksen jahtaaminen päivätolkulla ilman suurempia tapahtumia ei nyt ole ihan äksönpöhinää, mutta hyvin tuossa oli tutkittu asiaa laajemminkin. Tästä teemasta ei ole erityisemmin kirjoitettu, joten siinäkin mielessä ajaa paikkansa.
April 28, 2021
This book isn't bad, it just wasn't for me. I really struggled with the writing style (which may have been to do with the translation) - it felt so detached and prevented me from getting into the story. I would definitely still recommend this to people as it's such an interesting chain of events and, especially for someone interested in environmental activism, such an important read, but I just couldn't get into it.
DNF.
DNF.
December 7, 2024
🇩🇪
Spannender Bericht aus der Perspektive von Sea Shepherd über die Jagd auf den Traveller Thunder und deren Untergang. Das Buch ist authentisch und packend geschrieben, dass es mir schwer fiel, es beiseitezulegen. Auch habe ich durch dieses Buch meinen eigenen Fischkonsum kritisch betrachtet, denn die Zustande, die auf der Thunder herrschten, sind sicherlich kein Einzelfall.
🇬🇧
Very catching book. It descripes the hunt of the Traveller Thunder and the drown of the vessel.
Spannender Bericht aus der Perspektive von Sea Shepherd über die Jagd auf den Traveller Thunder und deren Untergang. Das Buch ist authentisch und packend geschrieben, dass es mir schwer fiel, es beiseitezulegen. Auch habe ich durch dieses Buch meinen eigenen Fischkonsum kritisch betrachtet, denn die Zustande, die auf der Thunder herrschten, sind sicherlich kein Einzelfall.
🇬🇧
Very catching book. It descripes the hunt of the Traveller Thunder and the drown of the vessel.
August 17, 2020
Found this book to be very interesting and told a story I knew nothing about. Good on Sea Shepherd for shining a light on illegal fishing activity and being out there to put the issues on the agenda.
April 17, 2021
Modern-day sea chase by the Sea Shepherds in pursuit of a pirate fishing vessel of an endangered species. This was like watching a very long episode of Whale Wars combined with a police procedural with international scope.
November 25, 2024
Really enjoyed this read. Book reads like fiction which can be a very good thing for a nonfiction book. It truly gives all the prospective of the story and the details and history to the story. I know it was a true story but the ending was very anticlimactic lol. Nonetheless a very good book.
May 23, 2018
Fascinating insight into how Sea Shepherd works, but also the lucrative market in illegal fishing.
August 18, 2018
Gripping and informative.
September 22, 2019
Strålende. Så god at du tror det er fiksjon.
June 1, 2020
Slow to start off with but excitement picks up in the second half. Also did a good job of making sure I never want to visit Equatorial Guinea.
March 3, 2021
It was maybe not what I was expecting but it was an enjoyable read.
April 10, 2024
A truly extraordinary story I am glad I got to know about.
April 27, 2020
A very interesting read.Well worth reading of the long distance tracking
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2023
Fascinating story but I struggled to finish the book as it wants to integrate too much information about other expeditions and boats and its easy to loose the plot.
November 26, 2017
Såg kaptenen på Skavlan och blev så fängslad av hans berättelse! Jakten på tjuvfiskarna! Väldigt spännande story och att det hänt på riktigt?! Ganska svår att hänga med i vissa delar, med namn och byråkrati. Gillar Sea Shepherds arbete, heja miljön!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews