This exciting novel tells the story of the people in the Frisian Uthlands in the 17th century, whose lives were profoundly changed by the storm surge disaster of October 11, 1634. For example, Wyk auf Föhr was founded by refugees from the Halligen and the destroyed island Strand. In the first part of the book, the author follows Ocke Hayen, who lives in Oldsum on Föhr, as he transitions from fisherman to transport shipper. He receives support from Godber Godbersen, a Hallig man who became homeless due to the storm surge. Their journeys take the two men beyond the familiar Hallig and island world to Hamburg, Jutland, and Norway. Soon, the island Frisians, increasingly dedicating themselves to whaling, travel all the way to Amsterdam. The second part describes the rise of Ocke's son Hay from cabin boy to successful commander.