Maverick army diver, Rick Symons, has never played by the rules and when, during a top brass military reception, he's accused of going on step too far, his commanding officer has no choice but to demote him to the Air Force's 40th Search and Rescue squadron. No sooner does he join the Sea King helicopter rescue crew than he finds himself face to face with feisty, attractive medic Alex, whom he badly showed up on a former training exercise. But as Rick is about to turn his back on Alex, his crew and entire career, a distress call comes in - a ship is on fire and sinking fast. With innocents trapped on board, this time Rick can't just walk away.