The Freshwater Five

Deadman, Isle of Wight theatre company, will embark on a national tour The Freshwater Five in 2026 - a powerful new play that revisits one of the most controversial criminal cases in recent British history. It asks a simple but devastating question: were five ordinary fishermen innocent men or international drug smugglers?

In 2011, five fishermen from the Isle of Wight were sentenced to a combined total of 104 years in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to import £53 million worth of cocaine. Since then, they have consistently professed their innocence. Though the last appeal was rejected, the fight for justice continues.