The four men were stranded together on the same dinghy after their ship sank. They were absolute strangers at the outset but were forced to work together in order to survive. They quickly studied their situation and each took up a different role on the dinghy. Their initial banter was aimed at survival alone. As the men spent more time together on the dinghy, they attempted to get to know one another better. They even exchanged home addresses. However, after the dinghy was destroyed, it was every man for himself as all four men attempted to swim to shore. Their friendship disintegrated in a similar manner to their dinghy, giving the impression that their friendship was based on convenience alone.