A depiction of English shipping becalmed. A flagship is depicted to the left, flying the Union flag and the red ensign. To the right a yacht, in port-broadside view, is flying the red ensign and a pennant, and is saluting. Further right is another ship in port-broadside view and also flying the ensign and pennants. On the far right the entrance to a harbour is indicated in the foreground. There are figures variously occupied on the foreshore, including several who stand near their beached boat and lit brazier. In the central foreground a small craft prepares to come ashore and one man is carrying passengers ashore on his back. On the left, two men are busy with a fishing net in the water and beyond them is a variety of other shipping, with land in the far distance. The painting is diffused by the golden glow of the sunset.