Filled with beach bums, exotic-animal peddlers, knife-wielding strangers, young lovers, ruthless assassins, modern-day pirates, and other colorful characters, Stowed Away is a fast-paced adventure that follows three mariners off of South America as they attempt to surf and sail their way around the continent. They don't get far though, as their progress is constantly impeded by various mishaps and frequent spells of dead calm, which prompt them to pour a few cold beverages and reminisce about the events that brought them together. Blake, the captain, regales his mates with a tale of crime and misfortune that ruined his marriage and his business. Ivan, a novelist and professor, hunkers belowdecks and writes a story about traveling aboard a pirate ship. Malcolm, a recent graduate, sits in the sun and daydreams about his time in Ecuador, living with a college buddy's family, torn between two romances, and eventually shocked to learn the truth behind the family business. Their voyage comes to an abrupt end when they discover a secret that may cost them their lives."