In 1919, just before Christmas, the S.S. Ethie sets sail for St. John's Harbor, but a violent winter storm casts the steamship onto the rocky cliffs of northwest Newfoundland, threatening the passengers' survival.

Ninety-two passengers and crew, all eager to be reunited with family for the holidays, are now at the mercy of the stormy sea. Seeing the wrecked ship off the coast, a fishing family sends their dog Skipper, a hardworking and courageous Newfoundland, to brave the icy and dangerous waters to carry a lifeline from the sinking ship to shore.

In this minute-by-minute fictionalized account of the S.S. Ethie's dramatic voyage, Hillary Hyland vividly brings the adventure to life, showing the spirit of survival amongst the passengers and crew, as well as the strength and determination of a poor fishing family and their courageous dog to save those ninety-two souls.