A lively coastal scene which focuses on the visual light and dark effects of sky and clouds. A flute can be seen slightly to the left of centre of the painting. It is shown moving through a squall in a lively sea, with its stern clearly visible. A large amount of shipping is visible in the distance. In the foreground a small coastal craft, probably a boeier, moves through the water, her lee board clearly visible. In the foreground a boat is laden with people as it rows towards this boat. A man stands in the bow preparing to throw the boeier a rope. Another small sailing craft can be seen on the left and in the distance the coast of the Netherlands is visible.

The marine painter was a Dutch sea painter and draughtsman who resided for some time in Rome where he earned the nickname Caper. He has typically used a restricted palette in this scene.