After a tragic diving accident claims the life of a close friend, former Royal Navy officer Mike Nicholls returns to the town where he grew up - Bridehaven. He hopes his new job, as harbour master will help him put his past behind him.

Mike is alarmed by the behaviour of an ex-chief petty officer and Falklands veteran who descends on Bridehaven with a group of school sea cadets.

A miserable stranger arrives in town that seems to be hankering for a Bridehaven that no longer exists.

The town is swamped with birdwatchers, and Melanie has an important decision to make.

George Blade becomes an eco-warrior when a toxic spillage threatens Tony Simpson's latest land deal. His campaign ensures that the last of the off-season tourists soon desert Bridehaven. Mike's investigation is overshadowed by Steve, Jane and Aunt Nicholls

Tony is love struck when his estranged wife returns home and becomes heavily involved in the business. Mike and Jane are suspicious and join forces to investigate but, in the process, find themselves being drawn closer together

Mike devises a plan to relieve the off-season boredom - the practice rescue of a stranded whale. However, the newfound environmentalists are too busy to notice that Kelly Blade is thinking of leaving home with her unsuitable new boyfriend.

The Blades recover some wrecked cases of vintage Scotch, but Tony Simpson is furious about his lost cargo and determines to track it down. Meanwhile, Jane's ex-boyfriend Phil turns up.