The Secret History of Flight 149

Introducing...Oceans: Life Under Water Apr 08, 2024

Now that The Secret History of Antarctica: Death on the Ice has come to an end, here's a clip from another podcast we think you'll like.

It's called Oceans: Life Under Water, an immersive storytelling podcast about the oceans from Crowd Network and Greenpeace, hosted by wildlife filmmaker and broadcaster Hannah Stitfall.

To listen to the rest of the episode and the whole series, search for Oceans: Life Under Water in your favourite podcast app.

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Antarctica | Ep 6 | Theories Apr 01, 2024

In the final episode, Rodney’s friends and colleagues give their theories about what really happened. Suicide, accident, or foul play? And 24 years on, Stephen demands answers from the authorities to his own questions about the investigation.

Episodes released for free every Monday.

You can listen to the whole series ad-free straight away by subscribing to the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts.

Listen ad-free on Amazon Music.

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Antarctica | Ep 5 | The Coroner's Verdict Mar 25, 2024

The post-mortem is finished, and the cause of Rodney’s death sends shock waves through the tight-knit South Pole community. How? And will the New Zealand investigation uncover the truth?

Episodes released for free every Monday.

You can listen to the whole series ad-free straight away by subscribing to the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts.

Listen ad-free on Amazon Music.

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Antarctica | Ep 4 | Madhouse at the End of the Earth Mar 18, 2024

Warning: this episode contains a story about sexual assault. This series began with investigation into the death of Rodney Marks, but it’s developed into something much broader. A bleak picture of how mysterious deaths, and crimes in general, are dealt with in Antarctica.

In this episode, Stephen hears first-hand about a pervasive culture of harassment and sexual assault in Antarctica. He hears how Antarctic authorities who are supposed to investigate can display shocking levels of incompetence.

Episodes released for free every Monday.

You can listen to the whole series ad-free straight away by subscribing to the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts.

Listen ad-free on Amazon Music.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Antarctica | Ep 3 | The Cop Mar 11, 2024

Rodney Marks is dead. But what really happened? Enter two men determined to solve the mystery, a cop and a coroner from New Zealand.

But who’s in charge when someone dies, in a land that belongs to no-one? Stephen digs into the complexities of Antarctic jurisdiction.

Episodes released for free every Monday.

You can listen to the whole series ad-free straight away by subscribing to the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts.

Listen ad-free on Amazon Music.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Antarctica | Ep 2 | The Doctor Mar 04, 2024

Winter has set in, and there’s a shift in atmosphere on base. When walking back from the remote observatory where he’s conducting his experiments, Rodney Marks falls ill and it’s down to the station’s solo doctor to save his life.

Why can’t Rodney be rescued? Because when something happens at the South Pole in the middle of winter, you’re trapped.

Episodes released for free every Monday.

You can listen to the whole series ad-free straight away by subscribing to the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts.

Listen ad-free on Amazon Music.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Antarctica | Ep 1 | Arrival Feb 26, 2024

In the first episode of The Secret History of Antarctica: Death on the Ice, investigative journalist Stephen Davis meets three members of the crew who arrived at South Pole research station in 1999 – friends and colleagues of Dr Rodney Marks. As the sun sets and the station closes for winter, those inside prepare for six months of darkness, no way in, no way out.

Episodes released for free every Monday from February 26th 2024.

You can listen to the whole series ad-free straight away by subscribing to the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts.

Listen ad-free on Amazon Music.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming soon...The Secret History of Antarctica: Death on the Ice Feb 20, 2024

Coming on February the 26th. Journalist Stephen Davis investigates the mysterious death of a scientist at the South Pole in the year 2000, and interrogates why the investigation failed to uncover the truth.

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The Race to the South Pole | The Secret History Returns… Jan 16, 2024

With 'The Secret History of Antarctica: Death on the Ice' on the way, we wanted to share the story of how it all began.

From History Daily, this is The Race to The South Pole.

Every weekday, host Lindsay Graham (American Scandal, American History Tellers) takes you back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history.

Whether it’s to remember the tragedy of December 7th, 1941, the day “that will live in infamy,” or to celebrate that 20th day in July, 1969, when mankind reached the moon, History Daily is there to tell you the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world—one day at a time.

So if you’re stuck in traffic, bored at work—wherever you are, listen to History Daily to remind yourself that something incredible happened to make that day historic.

If you enjoy this episode, search for History Daily in your favourite podcast app.

We’ll see you on the 26th of February, for the third season of The Secret History.

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Flight 149 | Bonus Episode | UPDATE - Stephen speaks to Jon Snow on Snowcast Sep 22, 2023

Stephen has an update on our first series, The Secret History of Flight 149. This short bonus episode features an interview with journalist Jon Snow from his podcast, 'Snowcast', in which Stephen discusses the latest developments in the case.

Click here to listen to the full interview on Snowcast

British Airways has given the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 which can be read here

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Estonia | Bonus Episode | UPDATE - and Stephen answers your questions Aug 17, 2023

In this bonus episode, Stephen shares a recent update in the investigation into the sinking of The Estonia. He also answers some questions from listeners, delving even deeper into the story.

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Estonia | Ep 8 | Fallout Feb 27, 2023

Stephen draws together everything he’s learned during his investigation and examines the key theories behind what happened to the Estonia. Survivors and family members of victims reveal the ongoing human impact of the tragedy.

Please note this podcast contains distressing content.

Presenter: Stephen Davis

Producer: Samantha Psyk

Mixing and Sound Design: Rory Auskerry

Studio recording: Luis Rodriguez at Sonic Space Lab Music

Research and production support: Robert Wallace, Louisa Adams, Thea Carley and Lisa Hanley

Voiceover: Johan Lindquist and Liivika Hanstin

Translations: William Sleath

Additional material across the series courtesy of Discovery+, Getty, Sveriges Radio, TV3 New Zealand.

This is a Crowd Stories podcast.

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Estonia | Ep 7 | A new discovery Feb 20, 2023

In 2020 some shocking new evidence came to light that changed the entire course of the Estonia investigation. Stephen meets the journalists behind this important discovery, and reveals what happened as a result.

Please note this podcast contains distressing content.

Presenter: Stephen Davis

Producer: Samantha Psyk

Mixing and Sound Design: Rory Auskerry

Additional material courtesy of Discovery+ from ‘Estonia: The Discovery That Changes Everything’

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Estonia | Ep 6 | Shipwreck investigations Feb 13, 2023

In this episode Stephen delves into the high stakes world of shipwreck investigations. We meet two key players in the history of the Estonia inquiries, and hear about the flaws in previous investigations.

Please note this podcast contains distressing content.

Presenter: Stephen Davis

Producer: Samantha Psyk

Mixing and Sound Design: Rory Auskerry

Additional material courtesy of Getty

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Estonia | Ep 5 | Secrets and spies Feb 06, 2023

Stephen reveals what led him to start investigating the Estonia mystery. The trail leads him back to the Cold War and to a backdrop of secrets and spies.

Please note this podcast contains distressing content.

Presenter: Stephen Davis

Producer: Samantha Psyk

Mixing and Sound Design: Rory Auskerry

Additional material courtesy of TV3, New Zealand

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Estonia | Ep 4 | To salvage or not to salvage Jan 30, 2023

The authorities must decide how to deal with the disaster. Will they choose to salvage the ship and the victims? Stephen speaks with campaigners who have dedicated many years to uncovering the truth behind the sinking.

Please note this podcast contains distressing content.

Presenter: Stephen Davis

Producer: Samantha Psyk

Mixing and Sound Design: Rory Auskerry

Voiceover: Johan Lindquist

Additional material courtesy of Discovery+, from 'Estonia, The Discovery That Changes Everything'.

To listen to the entire series without adverts, subscribe to the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Estonia | Ep 3 | Counting the cost Jan 23, 2023

In the days after the sinking, the scale of the tragedy becomes clearer. But why does mystery still surround the survivors list? What happened to the missing crew? Stephen speaks with family members of victims, still dealing with the effects of the disaster to this day.

Please note this podcast contains distressing content.

To listen to the entire series without adverts, subscribe to the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts.

Presenter: Stephen Davis

Producer: Samantha Psyk

Mixing and Sound Design: Rory Auskerry

Voiceover: Johan Lindquist and Liivika Hanstin

Additional material courtesy of Discovery+, from Estonia, the Discovery that Changes Everything.

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Estonia | Ep 2 | Survival Jan 16, 2023

Survivors share harrowing eye witness accounts of the aftermath of the sinking in freezing conditions in a Baltic storm.

Please note this podcast contains distressing content.

Presenter: Stephen Davis

Producer: Samantha Psyk

Mixing and Sound Design: Rory Auskerry

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Estonia | Ep 1 | Mayday Jan 09, 2023

Please note this podcast contains distressing content.

In the first episode of The Secret History of the Estonia, investigative journalist Stephen Davis hears remarkable eyewitness accounts from four survivors of the tragedy.

The Estonia sets sail from Tallinn port on the 27th September 1994, heading across the Baltic Sea to Stockholm. It’s a routine crossing for the passengers and crew. But in the middle of the night the ferry suddenly starts taking on water. There’s a raging storm outside and the ship is sinking fast. It’s a question of life and death for all those on board.

Presenter: Stephen Davis

Producer: Samantha Psyk

Mixing and sound design: Rory Auskerry

Additional material courtesy of Getty.

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Coming Soon: The Secret History of the Estonia Jan 04, 2023

Coming soon - The Secret History of the Estonia. A tale of secrets, smugglers and spies and how 852 people died on a ferry.

From the team behind The Secret History of Flight 149, journalist Stephen Davis investigates the tragic sinking of the passenger ship The Estonia, uncovering a mysterious trail that leads back to the Cold War.

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Flight 149 | Ep 10 | Impact Apr 12, 2022

Stephen reveals some new details that have come to light since we started making this series, and speaks with someone who was on the ground in Kuwait at the time of the invasion. We also hear from all the human shields we’ve been following, and learn about the personal impact of this horrific ordeal.

Additional material across the series courtesy of Getty, Blakeway Productions, The Parliamentary Recording Unit and C-Span.

British Airways gave us the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 that said: “On 1 of August the British Embassy in Kuwait told the local British Airways office that while flights on 1 August should be safe, subsequent flights were inadvisable”. It then repeated a previous statement to say: “the Government at the time did not attempt in any way to exploit the flight by any means whatever”.

Coming January 2023: The Secret History of The Estonia. A tale of secrets, smuggling and spies and why 852 people died on a ferry. Stephen investigates the mystery behind Europe's worst peacetime shipping disaster since the Titanic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flight 149 | Ep 9 | Revelations Apr 04, 2022

The investigation gains momentum as key individuals speak out about the events of August 1990. Stephen reveals just who was on Flight 149...is this why the plane landed?

British Airways gave us the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 that said: “On 1 of August the British Embassy in Kuwait told the local British Airways office that while flights on 1 August should be safe, subsequent flights were inadvisable”. It then repeated a previous statement to say: “the Government at the time did not attempt in any way to exploit the flight by any means whatever”.

Coming January 2023: The Secret History of The Estonia. A tale of secrets, smuggling and spies and why 852 people died on a ferry. Stephen investigates the mystery behind Europe's worst peacetime shipping disaster since the Titanic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flight 149 | Ep 8 | The Aftermath Mar 28, 2022

The hostages may have made it home, but the psychological and emotional effects continue. Stephen begins his search for the truth.

British Airways gave us the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 that said: “On 1 of August the British Embassy in Kuwait told the local British Airways office that while flights on 1 August should be safe, subsequent flights were inadvisable”. It then repeated a previous statement to say: “the Government at the time did not attempt in any way to exploit the flight by any means whatever”.

Coming January 2023: The Secret History of The Estonia. A tale of secrets, smuggling and spies and why 852 people died on a ferry. Stephen investigates the mystery behind Europe's worst peacetime shipping disaster since the Titanic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flight 149 | Ep 7 | On The Brink Mar 21, 2022

The West stands on the brink of war against Saddam Hussein’s regime, but the human shields are in the line of fire.

British Airways gave us the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 that said: “On 1 of August the British Embassy in Kuwait told the local British Airways office that while flights on 1 August should be safe, subsequent flights were inadvisable”. It then repeated a previous statement to say: “the Government at the time did not attempt in any way to exploit the flight by any means whatever”.

Coming January 2023: The Secret History of The Estonia. A tale of secrets, smuggling and spies and why 852 people died on a ferry. Stephen investigates the mystery behind Europe's worst peacetime shipping disaster since the Titanic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flight 149 | Ep 6 | Powerless Mar 14, 2022

What must it have felt like to be a child hostage? Stephen hears the remarkable tale of one of the youngest captives, and also asks how the Flight 149 family members left behind coped with the ordeal.

British Airways gave us the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 that said: “On 1 of August the British Embassy in Kuwait told the local British Airways office that while flights on 1 August should be safe, subsequent flights were inadvisable”. It then repeated a previous statement to say: “the Government at the time did not attempt in any way to exploit the flight by any means whatever”.

Coming January 2023: The Secret History of The Estonia. A tale of secrets, smuggling and spies and why 852 people died on a ferry. Stephen investigates the mystery behind Europe's worst peacetime shipping disaster since the Titanic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flight 149 | Ep 5 | Separated Mar 07, 2022

The US Embassy finds itself under siege. As the international pressure on Saddam Hussein intensifies, he makes a sudden announcement that creates a dilemma for many of the human shields.

British Airways gave us the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 that said: “On 1 of August the British Embassy in Kuwait told the local British Airways office that while flights on 1 August should be safe, subsequent flights were inadvisable”. It then repeated a previous statement to say: “the Government at the time did not attempt in any way to exploit the flight by any means whatever”.

Coming January 2023: The Secret History of The Estonia. A tale of secrets, smuggling and spies and why 852 people died on a ferry. Stephen investigates the mystery behind Europe's worst peacetime shipping disaster since the Titanic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flight 149 | Ep 4 | Human Shields Feb 28, 2022

The hostages have now become human shields – scattered at strategic locations across Iraq and Kuwait. They have been put in the line of fire and are living in constant fear of being bombed. When food supplies run dangerously short, they are forced to take drastic measures...

British Airways gave us the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 that said: “On 1 of August the British Embassy in Kuwait told the local British Airways office that while flights on 1 August should be safe, subsequent flights were inadvisable”. It then repeated a previous statement to say: “the Government at the time did not attempt in any way to exploit the flight by any means whatever”.

Coming January 2023: The Secret History of The Estonia. A tale of secrets, smuggling and spies and why 852 people died on a ferry. Stephen investigates the mystery behind Europe's worst peacetime shipping disaster since the Titanic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flight 149 | Ep 3 | Abandoned Feb 21, 2022

The hostages are faced with the impossible decision of whether to follow the official advice and stay in a hotel occupied by the Iraqi army, or risk everything to make a run for it. The Captain calls a secret meeting of his crew, but has he left it too late to escape?

This episode contains descriptions of graphic violence.

British Airways gave us the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 that said: “On 1 of August the British Embassy in Kuwait told the local British Airways office that while flights on 1 August should be safe, subsequent flights were inadvisable”. It then repeated a previous statement to say: “the Government at the time did not attempt in any way to exploit the flight by any means whatever”.

Coming January 2023: The Secret History of The Estonia. A tale of secrets, smuggling and spies and why 852 people died on a ferry. Stephen investigates the mystery behind Europe's worst peacetime shipping disaster since the Titanic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flight 149 | Ep 2 | Stranded Feb 14, 2022

The Flight 149 passengers and crew are now stranded in war-torn Kuwait. Tanks surround their hotel, and soldiers have set up camp in the basement. But could the hostages smuggle themselves to safety?

British Airways gave us the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 that said: “On 1 of August the British Embassy in Kuwait told the local British Airways office that while flights on 1 August should be safe, subsequent flights were inadvisable”. It then repeated a previous statement to say: “the Government at the time did not attempt in any way to exploit the flight by any means whatever”.

Coming January 2023: The Secret History of The Estonia. A tale of secrets, smuggling and spies and why 852 people died on a ferry. Stephen investigates the mystery behind Europe's worst peacetime shipping disaster since the Titanic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flight 149 | Ep 1 | Take-off Feb 07, 2022

Listen to the whole series ad-free now by subscribing to the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts.

When Flight 149 departed London Heathrow on 1 August 1990, the passengers and crew had no idea of the trauma that lay ahead. A routine stopover in Kuwait turned into a hostage crisis. Hear from the hostages themselves as they recall the horrifying realisation that their holiday had taken a very dark turn. Journalist Stephen Davis delves into what's been dubbed one of the biggest cover ups in modern history. Episode one of nine.

Please note this episode contains references to violent sexual assault.

British Airways gave us the following statement: "Our hearts go out to all those caught up in this shocking act of war just over 30 years ago, and who had to endure a truly horrendous experience. The records (released by the Government last year) confirmed British Airways was not warned about the invasion."

The Foreign Office released a statement in 2021 that said: “On 1 of August the British Embassy in Kuwait told the local British Airways office that while flights on 1 August should be safe, subsequent flights were inadvisable”. It then repeated a previous statement to say: “the Government at the time did not attempt in any way to exploit the flight by any means whatever”.

Coming January 2023: The Secret History of The Estonia. A tale of secrets, smuggling and spies and why 852 people died on a ferry. Stephen investigates the mystery behind Europe's worst peacetime shipping disaster since the Titanic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming Soon (Trailer) Jan 25, 2022

Coming soon - The Secret History of the Estonia. A tale of secrets, smugglers and spies and how 852 people died on a ferry.

From the team behind The Secret History of Flight 149, journalist Stephen Davis investigates the tragic sinking of the passenger ship The Estonia, uncovering a mysterious trail that leads back to the Cold War.

Episodes released weekly from January 9th 2023, with the whole series available ad-free on the Crowd Stories channel on Apple Podcasts. You can also listen ad-free on Amazon Music.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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