In the midst of the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, an experienced ship captain named Jim P. McCrea finds himself trapped in a moral and political dilemma. After learning that a group of Nazi officers is seeking to capture him at an Australian port, McCrea decides to flee to the sea, where his adventurous life has led him to navigate the treacherous waters of the ocean.
With a diverse group of passengers on board, including a brave refugee, a sensual actress, and several sailors with their own secrets, McCrea becomes a target for both allies and enemies. As his old cargo ship turns into an improvised refuge, the tension within the group escalates as the Nazi threat looms over them. Amid suspense and adventure, unexpected moments of romance and camaraderie unfold, revealing the different motivations of his unusual traveling companions.
Facing storms not only in the weather but also in the hearts of his crew, McCrea must find a way to escape this situation without sacrificing his own moral code. With the ocean as a backdrop and time running against him, the captain and his crew embark on a dangerous race against fate, where every choice could be their last. In this journey, not only their lives are at stake but also what it truly means to be a hero in wartime.