Stowaways cost the international shipping community $25 million a year in repatriation fees. But behind the obvious security risks and costs are the stories of desperate people fleeing war countries and economic hardships across the African continent.
Richards Bay, in KwaZulu Natal has become the new hotspot for stowaways, who build illegal villages in the bush surrounding the port. These makeshift staging points are home to hundreds of young men who will climb aboard ships, risking their lives for a better life over the seas.
This Tuesday, Special Assignment tells the story of stowaways Mahgmud, Moses and Raheed, who are among about 50 men hiding in and around the harbour waiting for their chance to board a ship.
Rasheed survived by floating on a drum after being thrown overboard by Chinese sailors off the coast of West Africa.
“Nine days inside the sea…so many ships passed….only God saw me,” says Rasheed, who is now waiting in Richards Bay for a ship that will take him to Europe.
“Hope Floats” is produced by Nguni Broadcast Productions
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