In February 1952, a massive nor'easter strikes New England, causing havoc on the seas. Within the chaos, two oil tankers, SS Pendleton and SS Fort Mercer, are catastrophically torn in half. On the Pendleton, the stern remains afloat with over 30 sailors stranded. Ray Sybert, the engineer, takes charge to organize a plan for survival as the crew grapples with the fierce storm and dwindling hope. Meanwhile, Bernie Webber, a Coast Guard officer based in Chatham, Massachusetts, receives orders to mount a desperate rescue operation. Webber, earnest and untested in such perilous conditions, assembles a small crew and embarks on a lifeboat mission against near-impossible odds.

As Webber and his men brave hurricane-force winds and towering waves in their tiny boat, the Pendleton sailors struggle to keep their vessel above water. The two teams are driven by sheer willpower and determination as they each fight nature’s fury from their respective fronts. The story propels forward with intense suspense, focusing on themes of heroism and survival, while showcasing the relentless spirit of both rescuers and victims. From here, the film delves into the gripping and high-stakes journey that tests their bravery and resilience against seemingly insurmountable challenges.