Fourth Officer Norman Mansell is loaned to the rival Blue Bird Line and joins the Ringdove under Captain Rogerson. She is a passenger liner en route for a special exhibition in New Zealand and in the Pacific a fire on board means that the ship eventually has to be abandoned. Norman is left in charge of one lifeboat which is crewed by a small number of regular seamen and stokehold workers. During a squall at night Norman's lifeboat is separated from the rest by the failure of his sea anchor. The lifeboat drifts away from the rescue area and he and the others are believed to be drowned.
Norman makes up his mind that they must sail the lifeboat to the Marquesas, a voyage of about ten to twelve days. However, amongst the firemen is a villain called Badger who argues with Norman's orders and generally causes trouble.