In the foreground, a boat has been landed on the beach and men are in the water bringing in two more. To the left, men are working on another boat by a wooden jetty jutting out into the sea. Beyond, ships lie at anchor with a man-of-war on the far right. In the foreground lie the rollers used to help bring the boats ashore. A man in a red smock is dragging one of the rollers up the beach in his left hand.

Most of the artist's extant paintings date from the last six years of his career and are principally marine subject-matter. Brooking's reputation as a marine artist was well established by 1755. This work was influenced by 17th-century Dutch marine artists, and resembles a composition by Simon de Vlieger. Although Brooking's stylistic range shows the influences of de Vlieger and Willem van de Velde the Younger, his approach was uncompromisingly individualistic. Brooking's careful attention to detail evinces an informed knowledge of maritime practice and naval architecture. The painting has been signed by the artist.