Fire Down Below

In the years following the Korean War, Tony and Felix own and operate the tramp boat Ruby, using her for small-time smuggling around the Caribbean. They co-pilot with Jimmy Jean and navigate a tense life of quick deals and constant risk. The operation cements their uneasy partnership and sets the tone for their codependent bond.

On the Ruby, Miguel the bartender introduces them to an American businessman who wants to move his companion, Irena, to another island. Irena travels without papers, making the crew wary of the operation's legality. Still, the offer of $1,200 is tempting enough to consider taking the job.

During the voyage, Tony's attraction to Irena grows, complicating his loyalty to Felix. He begins to picture a life with her, even as the illicit business continues. The personal stakes threaten to derail their operation.

Felix warns Irena to stay away from Tony to protect his partner, but his own feelings begin to complicate the situation. He finds himself drawn to Irena as well, creating a dangerous love triangle aboard the boat. The tension between friendship, loyalty, and desire intensifies.

Irena disembarks, and Tony chooses to go with her, effectively ending his partnership with Felix. The breakup signals the collapse of their long-standing arrangement and foreshadows personal costs ahead. The move marks a turning point in the trio's dynamics.

Tony visits a drunk Felix and proposes one last joint job. Felix refuses, hurt by Tony's abandonment, and warns that Irena will leave him too. Jimmy remains oblivious to the growing tension as the two friends drift apart.

Tony and Jimmy take on a shady assignment, but authorities intercept them. They have to abandon ship and swim to a nearby island to avoid arrest. The crew's loyalties are tested as they scramble to survive and stay free.

Tony takes a job on a cargo ship to get back to Irena, hoping to salvage something of their relationship. He also becomes intent on killing Felix, suspecting that Felix betrayed them by tipping off the customs agents. The distance between them intensifies Tony's obsession and desperation.

While Tony is away, Irena seeks out Felix and confesses that she loves him. The confession changes the emotional landscape and undermines Tony's earlier plans. Felix wrestles with newfound affection and the consequences for all three.

A collision traps Tony below deck under a girder as the vessel burns and explosive cargo threatens catastrophe. Doctor Sam Blake offers a drastic option to amputate his trapped legs, but Tony refuses to accept such a fate. Felix arrives to confront the crisis with a steady hand and clear priorities.

Felix climbs aboard the wrecked vessel and stays by Tony's side, risking his life to help him. An explosion finally frees Tony from the debris, and Felix carries him to safety amid the flames. The act demonstrates a loyalty that transcends personal conflict.

After Tony's recovery, he confronts Felix and Irena in a bar over the tangled love and loyalties. He realizes that Irena loves Felix, not him, and chooses to walk away, delivering the line: Some days you win, some days you lose. The moment seals his resignation to the situation and marks the end of his romantic pursuit.