Blame Not the Wind cover art

Blame Not the Wind

Pre-order free with Premium Plus
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Blame Not the Wind

By: Shirley Cooklin
Pre-order free with Premium Plus

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Pre-order for $25.99

Pre-order for $25.99

Confirm Pre-order
Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.
Cancel

About this listen

The extraordinary true story of a mother's dedication to reveal the lies, deceit and corruption, which surround her son's untimely death

In 1985 Mark Litchfield, ex-Naval Officer, millionaire, member of Lloyd’s, asked Nicholas Ridley, Transport Minister, to allow his ship, the Marques, to enter the Tall Ship’s Race without an inspection. Fatally, Ridley agreed. His decision was the start of a series of events that ended in the tragic sinking of the Marques and the death of 19 people. Unbeknownst to Shirley, her 18-year-old son, Ben, was one of them.

Following the tragic death of her son, Shirley went through further torment throughout the investigation, cover up and court case. She dedicated her life to finding the truth, despite harassment by the media, claims that the wind was to blame and her grief, Shirley never stopped fighting for justice for her son. Her strength, motivated by love for her son, kept her going even after years without the truth.

This story follows the challenging days, months and years after the tragic event, highlighting the struggles of Shirley and her family as she works tirelessly to piece together the full story. Despite the turmoil and pain, Shirley's commitment acts as glimmer of hope in an otherwise hopeless situation.

Now, years later, at the age of 94 Shirley shares Ben's story and uncovers the incompetence, secrecy and duplicity that surround the tragic and avoidable event.

©2025 Shirley Cooklin (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers
Corruption & Misconduct Law Maritime History & Piracy Politics & Government World
activate_mytile_page_redirect_t1

What listeners say about Blame Not the Wind

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.