After a spy trawler is accidentally sunk off the coast of Albania, the world's superpowers begin a feverish search for its valuable lost cargo. The powerful ATAC system gives unlimited control over Polaris nuclear submarines. As James Bond joins the search, he suspects the suave Kristatos of seizing the device. Competition between nations grows more deadly, but Bond finds an ally in the beautiful Melina Havelock, who blames Kristatos for the death of her parents.