Hellmut faces major problems. Erika's cousin Hagen, the ship's radio operator, insists that she return to work. Nazi boss Escher jockeys for position. Disillusioned old Captain Johannsen is incapable of making decisions. And Hellmut's brother Harald with whom Hellmut has been at odds for years has also been appointed captain. The ship has four captains, each of whom feels authorized to give commands.All hell breaks loose when the command receives a message warning of a collision. Hellmut doubts its authenticity and forbids Petri to turn on the navigation lights. But Petri illuminates the ship, which is seen by a Russian submarine.
