Stowaway

A stowaway is a person who secretly boards a ship, aircraft, train, or other mode of transportation to travel without paying or being detected. Often driven by a desire for a better life, adventure, or to escape unfavorable circumstances, stowaways face perilous journeys, enduring cramped, hidden spaces, limited access to food and water, and the risk of severe injury or death if discovered. They often navigate the journey without legal documents, making their arrival problematic and sometimes resulting in deportation or prosecution upon arrival. These clandestine voyages present significant legal and safety challenges for both the stowaway and the operators of the transport.

Stowaway meaning with examples

• Driven by dreams of opportunity, the young man became a stowaway on a cargo ship bound for America, hoping to start a new life away from poverty. He was discovered after several days at sea. The perilous conditions he endured highlights the dangerous reality for many seeking a better life.
• The authorities apprehended several stowaways who were found hidden in the undercarriage of a transatlantic flight. Their survival, given the freezing temperatures and lack of oxygen at high altitude, was a testament to their desperation.
• During the investigation into the missing container, it was discovered that a stowaway was likely inside. His intent to sneak across the border underscores the desperation sometimes associated with illegal immigration and the lengths to which people will go.
• The discovery of a stowaway in the freight car caused significant delays as officials secured the area for inspection. Security personnel and train staff took extra precautions to avoid the dangerous environment.