Bruce Golding, an Australian photo-journalist well known for harrowing reports on wars and natural catastrophes, is proud of his reputation as a "man of steel". But he is heading for a breakdown, and that occurs on a Pacific island just devastated by a tsunami.

He is nursed back to health by the lovely daughter of the impressive and unorthodox Catholic priest. He falls in love with her, but decides he must go (he has made a mess of one marriage by concentrating on his profession and neglecting his wife and son). He is drawn back to the island when he learns that a ruthless Australian tourist company is about to take over the island and destroy the harmonious way of life of its people.

He cannot save the island but finds a solution for many of the islanders. His fight for them restores his self-confidence and gives him a less cynical view of life.