On a small island in the English Channel, a young man named Gilliat is obsessed with his unrequited love for Déruchette, the beautiful niece of the disrespectful and wealthy owner of a motor factory. However, Déruchette is engaged to a man whom Gilliat considers inferior and who is only after her fortune. Frustrated, Gilliat decides to prove his worth and his love for her by embarking on a dangerous adventure: to recover the sunken steam engine off the coast, a symbol of the industrial power that has marked his life and his obsession.
Throughout his journey, Gilliat faces the stormy seas and the betrayals of nature, as he battles against the loneliness and contempt of the island inhabitants who see him as a madman. His arduous quest becomes a true journey of self-discovery, navigating both physical and emotional storms. As Gilliat delves into the deep secrets of the ocean, his struggle transforms into a testament to his love and tenacity.
In the end, he confronts not only the forces of the sea but also the harsh reality of his feelings and his place in the world. With a blend of tragedy and heroism, this story evokes the tensions between idealism and the harsh life in society, illustrating the individual's struggle to find purpose in a hostile and often indifferent environment.