Plot synopsis: February 1934. The passage of the Northern Sea Route in one navigation was an ambitious goal and was of great importance for the USSR. Many considered this venture to be a hopeless and risky venture. The young and daring polar explorers, led by Otto Schmidt, sincerely believed that they would be able to complete the task on the Chelyuskin steamer. But great ideas turned into a great tragedy — the ship was trapped by ice and sank. Now, in the harsh Arctic conditions, the Chelyuskinites have to fight for their lives every minute.