An autobiographical essay reflecting on the author's experiences (apparently as a ship's officer) on board a cargo ship travelling between Tasmania and Victoria. The essay takes the form of diary entries, dating from 20 December 1954 to 5 January 1955. The author describes other members of the ship's crew including the Polish Australian captain, the weather at sea, and the various places they stop at along the Tasmanian coast, focussing on the town of Currie, King Island, where they spend Christmas. The title refers to King Island, known for its 57 shipwrecks.