Human evil and the random forces of nature work in deadly harmony. About to leave Auckland, homeward bound on her final voyage before being scrapped, the Takapuna Princess is targeted for sabotage in an act of revenge for Britain's abortive invasion of the Suez Canal. The sabotage devices are timed to operate after Takapuna Princess has left Auckland. However, a natural disaster leads to the ship sailing earlier than expected and the sabotage plan is spoiled. Nevertheless, the old ship is sent deep into the Southern Ocean to meet an uncertain fate.