Storm on Sylt, storm in the heart too: Pastor's son Sören Nielsen left the island a long time ago when his childhood sweetheart Antje married the skipper Rinkens. Now Sören is found slain on the Red Cliff. Was it an accident, suicide, or murder? Rinkens meanwhile has a relationship with Ose, the flighty daughter of Captain Tamen, known as "the red Ose". However, Baron von Rantzau loves her, as does the vacationer Swea Lansing and her daughter Godevar. Rantzau, on the other hand, loves Antje. Tamen, who once did crooked business with Rantzau's father, tries to blackmail Rantzau into marrying his daughter. However, he becomes engaged to Swea, whereupon Godevar goes into the water. In the event of a storm surge, Antje and the children are in great danger. Rinkens wants to save her, but suffers life-threatening injuries himself. He still confesses to Antje that it was he who killed Sören. Rantzau becomes a loyal, selfless friend to Antje.