The story of these 4 Nigerians is one that will pass as a movie. The last time we remember a documented voyage across the ocean was when we saw the movie Deadly Voyage. Economic hardship in their country of origin forced these guys to make the 14-day trip at the most dangerous place outside of a ship you can think of. The rudder
A rudder is a primary control surface used to steer a ship, boat, submarine, hovercraft, aircraft, or other vehicle that moves through a fluid medium (generally air or water). A rudder operates by redirecting the fluid past the hull or fuselage, thus imparting a turning or yawing motion to the craft. In basic form, a rudder is a flat plane or sheet of material attached with hinges to the craft’s stern, tail, or after.
It’s always been a dangerous affair for stowaways when they are seen aboard the ship itself. When stowaways are caught in engine or mechanical or storage spaces on a ship, they dread being thrown offboard the ship. A ship may not want to get involved in all the paperwork that comes with having a stowaway on board.
The Nigerians who used a fish net to tie the rudder were able to keep them steady and not fall into the sea on their journey. While the space there is a small one, they were able to fit themselves there for the period.
During an interview, they said they run out of food on the 10th day and some drunk sea water during the last 4 days.
When they got onto the ship, they imagined arriving in Europe but were surprised when the border guards that found them told them they had arrived in Brazil.
Two of the stowaways decided to go back to Nigeria, and two stayed to seek asylum in Brazil.
