This book tells the stories of disasters at sea, covering a span of roughly 200 years. The accounts, which involve everything from a whale attack to powerful storms, are dramatic. Interesting little details about passengers and crew, as well as about the sea vessel, are included. The portrayals include the hardships faced by the survivors, as well as the tensions that arose from these hardships. More than anything, these stories show the invention inherent in the human will to survive. Portraits of the survivors and illustrations and photographs of the ships in crisis further bring the stories alive.