News of secret Nazi treachery to exterminate the Jews leaks out from the Auschwitz death camp and reaches Koszalin, a Polish ghetto, by way of a clever signal. Five brave leaders devise a plan to undertake a dangerous smuggling operation. They cannot accomplish the feat on their own and must rely on those who are sympathetic to their plight. One of these supporters is Captain Jay, a daring Polish fisherman. He outwits a Nazi boarding patrol on the high seas, thus beginning a series of historic and desperate escapes late in World War II. His role consists of shuttling groups of refugees to the Danish island of Bornholm, where they are guided across the island to another fishing boat, this one destined for Sweden. The Danish Resistance, led by Hans, is quick to find the mental weaknesses of the Nazis and exploit them. This quick-thinking Resistance leader falls in love with Rachel, one of the Koszalin refugees who chooses to join the Danish Resistance to fight the tyranny of the Nazis. Action intensifies both on land and sea with lethal confrontations, as well as a near fatal resolution of a love triangle. At end author cites relevance of escape to freedom to present-day socio-political turmoil.