A dramatic scene showing a ship wrecked off a rocky coast. The ship is shown on the right dashed against the rocks. She has lost part of her masts and is lying at a precarious angle. Her sheets are flying in every direction. A number of figures on the cliffs above the ship are carrying material away. A rowing boat is struggling through the raging sea towards the ship, a figure in her bow gesturing in the direction of the ship. More cliffs can be seen in the distance on the left.

This may be the painting executed by Samuel Walters for his submission for admission to full member ship of the Liverpool Academy in 1840.