Sub-Lieutenant Paul Dexter is settling in to life aboard destroyer HMS Seagull, part of the Mediterranean Fleet, when he is suddenly left completely in charge.
Though a huge responsibility, it should not be a difficult task. The ship is anchored in a quiet bay in the Aegean Sea, staying out of reach of trouble.
But the day takes a sudden turn when a fierce storm blows in and a dilapidated steamer comes into view, signalling its distress with a fire in its hold.
Boarding the Greek vessel to investigate, Dexter finds himself tangled up in a series of disastrous events where he is thoroughly put to the test.
He suddenly finds himself in charge of not only an illicit cargo but a scheming, villainous crew. Will he manage to regain control…?