At the turn of the 20th century, the British freighter Narcissus finds itself docked in the sweltering harbor of Bombay, ready to embark on its journey back home. Among the crew is James Wait, a towering black man with a persistent cough, who boards at the last moment. His illness soon becomes a focal point among the sailors, creating a tense atmosphere aboard the ship.

Departure from Bombay

The Narcissus departs from Bombay at first light. As evening falls, the ship's deck buzzes with conversation until it's silenced by the sound of a feeble rattle from Wait's bunk, ending in a mournful groan. Wait emerges, chastising the crew for their noise, claiming it disturbs his supposed deathbed. Over the ensuing days, Wait's demeanor suggests he regards his impending demise with a kind of acceptance, displaying his symptoms dramatically and lamenting the meals he receives.

The Crew's Response

Despite his complaints, Wait's fellow sailors are deeply affected by his condition and coughing fits. They go so far as to pilfer food for him from the officers' quarters. Even Donkin, a self-centered Cockney, shows deference to Wait. After a week at sea, Wait ceases to work, leading the first mate to confine him to his bunk, a decision supported by the captain. Each morning, the crew carries Wait up to the deck, eventually settling him in a deckhouse berth, where he continually proclaims his imminent death. This attitude permeates the ship, impacting both officers and the more superstitious sailors, despite whispers that his illness might be feigned.

Facing the Storm

Approaching the Cape of Good Hope, the crew prepares for the inevitable fierce winds. On the thirty-second day out, the ship battles heavy seas and a formidable storm. As the tempest rages through the night, the Narcissus is submerged in darkness and chaos. By morning, as the crew recuperates below, a massive wave strikes, tilting the vessel onto its side. The sailors, tethered to various parts of the deck, cling on desperately. It's only then that someone realizes Wait is trapped in the deckhouse, presumed drowned, as a wave has sealed the door shut.

The Rescue of Wait

Braving the dangerous conditions, the boatswain and five volunteers edge forward to check on Wait. They reach the deckhouse, finding a way into the carpenter’s area adjacent to Wait's cabin. A rhythmic banging on the bulkhead confirms Wait is alive and calling for rescue. A crowbar is passed down, and the sailors bash through the bulkhead until they can pull Wait to safety. Once free, Wait berates his rescuers for their perceived delay, igniting a mix of resentment and pity among the men.

The Aftermath of the Storm

Night falls with the ship still afloat but partially submerged. The crew, chilled and exhausted after twenty-four hours exposed to the elements, welcomes the subsiding winds at dawn. As the Narcissus rights itself, the threat of sinking diminishes, and the crew begins the arduous task of restoring order. Below deck is a mess, with much of the crew's personal gear washed away by the storm.

Calmer Seas and Rising Tensions

With a favorable wind, the freighter heads north under clear skies. Wait returns to the deckhouse, though suspicion lingers about the authenticity of his condition. The captain, however, is convinced of Wait’s fatal illness and forbids him from returning to work, stirring unrest among the crew. They grumble about having to bear the workload alone and are on the brink of mutiny, but the captain's persuasion quells their discontent.

Wait's Decline

As the ship progresses northward, Wait's health visibly deteriorates. His hollow cheeks and skeletal appearance...