When Jack Wilder, private detective, is sent to Key West, Florida, to identify the body of Doc Thorton, he takes an unexpected detour to rescue a beautiful isle inhabitant, Rachel Winters, from the treacherous sea.

After Jack drops off the hostile girl in town, he is joined by his friend Luis and the girl's uncle, Chief of Police, J.P. Lawson, and is unwillingly drawn into the investigation surrounding the doctor's death.

The mystery unfolds further when ancient sunken treasure and the body of Rachel's boyfriend are found behind the Marine Drug Institute, where he and Rachel, along with Doc Thorton, were formerly employed.

Later, when Rachel suddenly disappears, Jack dives further into the investigation and soon discovers there is more happening at the institute than just research. Before long, the young detective gets swept away into a wave of mystery and crime.