Sahara

The film opens in Richmond, Virginia, during the tumultuous year of 1865. Captain Adrian Tombs of the CSS Texas attempts to navigate through a Union blockade, tasked with transporting the Confederacy's final treasury amidst the chaos of the Civil War.

Fast forward to the 1990s, Dr. Eva Rojas and Frank Hopper from the World Health Organization embark on a critical mission to Mali, Africa. They aim to investigate the outbreak of a mysterious disease that is ravaging the local population, putting their expertise and lives on the line.

While Eva is conducting her investigation, she finds herself targeted by assassins who want to thwart the WHO's efforts. In a desperate moment, she is saved by Dirk Pitt, an operative from the National Underwater and Marine Agency, who has been working discreetly in the area.

Dirk receives crucial intelligence from a dealer in Nigeria concerning a rare gold Confederate coin, one of only five in the world. This discovery ignites Dirk's curiosity about the long-lost CSS Texas, leading him to believe the coin could be a key to finding the ship.

With the newfound information, Dirk persuades his superior, James Sandecker, to support a mission to Mali that also includes Eva and Frank. They aim to combine their efforts to investigate the disease outbreak while searching for the Texas, setting the stage for an action-packed adventure.

In Mali, the team faces challenges when businessman Yves Massarde forms an alliance with the oppressive dictator General Kazim. Massarde's influence threatens to obstruct their investigation, complicating their efforts further amid the civil strife in the region.

As the WHO doctors’ inquiry intensifies, Dirk and Al Giordino undertake a daring rescue mission to save Eva and Frank from Kazim's oppressive forces. Their mission is dangerous, leading to clashes that expose the team's CIA and Navy training, which aids their survival.

Despite their best efforts, Dirk, Al, and the doctors find themselves captured by the Tuareg, a group involved in the ongoing civil conflict. During this capture, Tuareg leader Madibo expresses the dire circumstances of his people, giving Eva valuable insights about the region's troubles.

While observing the local conditions, Eva discovers that the Tuareg's water source is severely polluted, highlighting the urgency of their mission. This revelation serves as a turning point, driving the team deeper into their quest for both the Texas and a solution to the local epidemic.

The team uncovers that Massarde's solar detoxification plant is responsible for the contamination of the water supply in the region. They attempt to secure governmental support to address the pollution, but the chaos of the civil war presents significant obstacles.

Massarde seizes control, capturing Dirk and his companions while holding Eva hostage. However, utilizing their skills and determination, Dirk and Al manage a daring escape, emphasizing their resilience against Kazim's forces.

With the support of Madibo and others, Dirk and Al devise a plan to return to the plant not only to rescue Eva but also to liberate the oppressed workers from Massarde’s clutches. This plan becomes crucial as they face the threat of imminent destruction from Kazim's troops.

As the chaos escalates, Dirk's team witnesses a series of explosions along the dry riverbed, which ultimately leads to the uncovering of the CSS Texas. This critical moment ties back to the cave painting and solidifies their quest's purpose.

In a climactic battle, Dirk and his team take refuge inside the Texas, where they heroically confront General Kazim’s aerial assault. Their courage, combined with Madibo's forces, enables them to defeat Kazim's men and emerge victorious.

In the aftermath, the contamination crisis in Mali is resolved, and Sandecker finds new covert opportunities for NUMA. With the Confederate treasure now entrusted to Madibo’s people, Dirk and Eva share a peaceful moment at her beach house, embodying hope and tranquility after chaos.