In Singapore harbor, 1883, Captain Chris Hanson greets his passengers as they board the Batavia Queen to begin their search for sunken treasure near the island of "Krakatoa". The adventure has brought together a wide- range of people, some motivated by greed, others by love, and still others by a chance for freedom. But they all get more adventure than they bargained for. Just as a fortune in pearls is discovered and the passengers are dividing the treasure, "Krakatoa" erupts, causing a giant tidal wave. The wave engulfs the island and endangers all aboard the Batavia Queen, forcing each to choose his own destiny. Some choose to stay aboard. Others set out in a small boat for a nearby island. For some, their choice means life. For other, their choice means death.