The documentary offers an unflinching look at the refugee crisis in the central Mediterranean, highlighting the devastating impact of new European policies that hinder rescue operations and criminalize humanitarian efforts.

Embedded onboard a European rescue ship, the film captures the perilous missions to save migrants fleeing war, poverty, and persecution, many departing from Libya, a critical yet dangerous launching point. The ship's crew navigates extraordinary challenges, including confrontations with the Libyan coast guard, whose actions, driven by controversial agreements with the European Union, force migrants back to Libya in violation of international law.

From the vast and unforgiving sea to the Italian island of Lampedusa, an epicenter of migrant arrivals, the film also highlights the vital role of aerial reconnaissance, showcasing a volunteer pilot's efforts to spot boats in distress and coordinate life-saving rescues.

At its core, this is a deeply human story of survival and solidarity, set against a backdrop of unimaginable hardship and moral reckoning.