Captain McWhirr is a serious man who runs his steamer, the Nan-Shan, with efficiency and solidity. When a storm appears to be headed in their direction, MacWhirr is not concerned about his ship's ability to weather it, but, when the storm turns out to be a powerful typhoon which surges in across the Pacific Ocean headed straight for the Nan-Shan, MacWhirr and his crew must work together if they want to survive. This classic sea-faring story is believed to be based on author Joseph Conrad's real experiences at sea when he sailed aboard the John P. Best steamer under Captain John MacWhir.