A fishing trawler returns to a Normandy port, where its captain is soon found murdered. A crew member is suspected, but Inspector Maigret is not convinced. He investigates among the sailors, who are secretive and haunted by fear and superstition about a cursed voyage.
Maigret uncovers tensions on board, conflicts with the captain, and a series of troubling events at sea. Step by step, he understands that the crime is linked to human jealousy and pressure rather than superstition. The truth emerges from the crew’s silence and hidden resentment.