Daniel Resner, a traveling salesman, is the sole human survivor of a plane crash in the Pacific Ocean. His survival is a fluke, due to his location in the plane and the impact's trajectory. He escapes with three dogs, using salvaged luggage and their kennels to create a makeshift raft. After three days at sea, they reach a surprisingly fertile island, abundant with coconuts, crabs, and other sustenance. They build a makeshift home and live peacefully, with the dogs becoming his companions. Daniel makes repeated, desperate attempts to be rescued, each ending in harrowing near-misses and suspenseful escapes from various dangers.