Here's a breakdown of the term:
* Secretly boarding: Stowaways hide themselves on the vessel, often in cramped and dangerous spaces.
* Without paying: They don't have a ticket or any legal right to be on the vessel.
* Without consent: They haven't been authorized to travel by the crew or owners.
Reasons for stowing away:
* Seeking a better life: People may stow away to escape poverty, persecution, or violence in their home countries.
* Desire for adventure: Some individuals might be motivated by curiosity or a desire to see the world.
* Desperate circumstances: Stowaways may be fleeing a dangerous situation or trying to reach a loved one.
Consequences of being caught:
* Deportation: Stowaways are typically returned to their country of origin.
* Fines: They may face fines or other penalties.
* Jail time: In some cases, stowaways can face imprisonment, especially if they are caught entering a country illegally.
* Dangerous conditions: The conditions stowaways face can be extremely dangerous, with risks of suffocation, starvation, dehydration, and injury.
The act of stowing away is considered illegal in most countries, and it carries significant risks.