Red Sea Peril
- Book Review,
by Shirley Billing
From Library Journal
Billing, a British-born yachting journalist, and her husband have been sailing around the world for the past 15 years in their yacht, Clypeus. They have become part of the sailing community, staying in regular radio communication with other travelers, meeting in various ports, and sharing experiences with one another. In mid-March 1996, after the Billings anchored off the Eritrean coast, they were taken at gunpoint from their yacht. They remained in Eritrean custody for one month until pressure from their family in England, journalists, and their sailing friends enabled their release. This account describes the months that led up to their misadventure, the confusion of their arrest and confinement, and the continuation of their travels afterward. It is a story of two people who believed in fair play and following the rules. When war erupted and they became victims of a confused set of circumstances, their connections with others sustained and eventually saved them. The authors' tone is matter-of-fact, with a lot of detail and little sense of emotion. Recommended for larger public libraries. Alison Hopkins, Brantford P.L., ON Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Good Old Boat, Sept/Oct 2002
"...a stirring account, passionate and truthful, of an experience few travelers would wish to find themselves involved in..."
Book Description
Red Sea Peril records in extraordinary detail the dramatic events of an episode which grabbed headlines across the world. Written from a highly personal perspective, Red Sea Peril is a compelling tale for all who go to sea in foreign waters. On March 19, 1996, exactly on the thirteenth anniversary of their departure from St. Katharine's Dock, London, to sail around the world, Peter and Shirley Billing were taken at gunpoint from their yacht in the Red Sea. Fortunately they were keeping a regular radio schedule with other voyagers so their disappearance from the radio waves was immediately noticed. Accused of spying, the Billings protested their innocence at every turn, yet it was the efforts made on their behalf by fellow sailors, friends and relatives in England, press coverage and eventual assistance from British authorities that achieved their release. It was a month before they were eventually returned to their yacht and continued their circumnavigation.
From the Publisher
o Riveting account of innocent cruisers arrested on spying charges. o Shows dangers of sailing in many areas of the third world. o Red Sea is full of perils—an area of constant political turmoil and risk of violence.
About the Author
Shirley Billing is an international yachting journalist. Born in the United Kingdom, she has lived in England, Scotland, Australia, the United States, Taiwan, Singapore, and Shanghai. Her father and her own family have always had boats, An RYA qualified Yachtmaster, she and her husband have been sailing around the world for fifteen years in their 35' Endurance ketch Clypeus.
Buy from Amazon
Compare Prices
|
|
Home
