And then a loud voice announced, ‘Civilian vessel. This is Naval Helicopter Blackcat Two. Tune your radio to channel sixteen.’ George stood still and did nothing. ‘Civilian vessel,’ repeated the voice. ‘This is Naval Helicopter Blackcat Two. You need to comply. Tune your radio to channel sixteen.’

The foot soldier stepped backwards into the doorway and peeked out and up.

‘Attention. Civilian vessel. With the blue hull and white cabin. This is Naval Helicopter Blackcat Two. I will not ask you again. Tune your radio to channel sixteen.’

George moved towards the foot soldier and stumbled a little. He looked dazed. ‘If they try to stop us, kill them all,’ he said, then disappeared up to the flybridge.

Sophie began to cry loud, desperate sobs. The experience was taking its toll and she was so far past panic now that she was inconsolable. Karene told her to breathe, that everything would be OK, that help was here now, but the sobbing continued.

The blades grew louder and, for the first time, the foot soldier looked scared.

Bloom raised her voice above the noise. ‘No one will hurt you if you don’t hurt us. All they want is the four of us safely returned. What will killing us achieve? Other than getting yourself killed too.’

The foot soldier looked out of the side window and his eyes widened.

Bloom followed his gaze. The helicopter had dropped to their level. It hovered above the waves, guns lowered and aimed. The noise of the rotary blades drowned out all other sounds. A sign flashed up in the cockpit that said ‘16’.

‘This is Naval Helicopter Blackcat Two. Drop your weapons and tune your radio to channel sixteen.’

Bloom shouted, ‘You can see that helicopter! You know you’re outgunned, don’t you?’

‘It’s a Wildcat,’ shouted Jake. ‘It carries Stingray torpedoes, a door-mounted machine gun and Anti-Surface Guided Weapon missiles. It’s a six-foot-two heavyweight boxer. You don’t mess.’

Bloom was impressed. Jake had excellent instincts. ‘I think that means it’s game over.’

The foot soldier raised his weapon at Bloom. There was a dull thud from above. Bloom guessed that George had finally passed out. If she could keep this young lad calm, no one would get hurt.

‘I know you’re a good person. I see that.’ The noise of the helicopter lessened a touch but she still had to shout to be heard. ‘You’ve done nothing to harm us and I’ll tell them that. They’ll want to know what you know and why you’re here, but I’m sure you’re trained to handle such interrogations.’

The foot soldier gripped his gun a little more firmly.