Ebb Tide

It is 1843, and Captain Sir Nathaniel Drinkwater embarks on the paddle-steamer VESTAL for an inspection of lighthouses on the west coast of England. Bowed with age and honours, the old sea-officer has been drawn out of retirement on half-pay to fulfil his public duty. The following day, however, tragedy strikes. Drinkwater, ever the punctilious seaman and sympathetic libertarian, is suddenly confronted with the spectre of his past life: the sins and follies, valour and heroics, triumphs and disasters.