A storm scene, painted soon after the artist moved to Italy. A ship is shown already wrecked on a rocky coast, which stretches diagonally towards the right, with another ship in difficulty and a galley in the distance. A dark cloud emanating from the top right slashes the sky diagonally towards the coastline and with the dark sea in the foreground, serves to heighten the dramatic affect. The ship on the left has been dashed against the rocks, with its main mast broken. There are figures in the water and other sailors jump into the waves to escape. Other figures still stand on the deck of the stricken ship, with their arms outstretched and invoking rescue. In the foreground to the left, a smaller craft moves to the aid of the men and each crew member holds a hook, or pole or rope or grappling iron ready to help in their rescue mission. The Dutch ship in the central foreground is being tossed perilously close to the rocks and thus to a similar plight. Waves pound against the side of the vessel from the right and crew members are depicted desperately trying to save her by preparing to lower the sails in a vain attempt to prevent her being dashed against the rocks. The galley in the distance seems to have lowered its sails and is trying to get out of danger.

The depiction of the three ships may form a sequential narrative, from the vessel anticipating the storm on the right, to the one taking evading action in the centre and the third already cast on to the rocks on the left.

Van Plattenburg was a pupil of van Eertvelt whom he followed to Italy. He moved from Florence to Paris where he changed his name to Plattemontagne.