In 1963, the steamer Fleurus caught fire and was sinking with an entire circus menagerie on board, including their cast of dozens of circus animals. The more the fire department fought the flames, the more the ship rolled to its side. This was a race against time to save the animals on board, while also making sure to keep people safe from the deadly animals.

This is the story of one terribly unlucky band of performers, their clunky old ship, and the heroic action of the locals and fire department of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

The Kelly and Miller Brothers Circus had just purchased the SS Fleurus to transport that large circus of performers and wild animals around North America, planning to do an inaugural circuit around Nova Scotia, staging shows in Digby, Yarmouth, Shelbourne, and Liverpool, before moving on to Newfoundland. After the Yarmouth performance, a fire broke out aboard the vessel, jeopardizing the hundreds of animals on board.

Also discussed is the wreck of the Royal Tar in 1836.