In Search of the Castaways

An earthquake, a flash flood, an avalanche, a volcano, alligators, jaguars, mutineers, and a man-eating Maoris dog the steps of a shipping company owner, a scientist, and the two children of a lost sea Captain as they circle the Earth along the 37th parallel per instructions in a bottled note the scientist has recovered from a shark's stomach. Only certain facts are discerned from the stained note, especially the words "37 parallel". Teenage Mary Grant, her younger brother, Robert, and the scientist, French Professor Jacques Paganel, trick their way aboard the grand yacht Persevero II during a bon voyage party to see the owner of the shipping company, Lord Edward Glenarvan, the epitome of British aloofness. With the urging of his own son, John, Glenarvan's luxurious side-wheeler sets sail for the coastal town of Concepcion, Chile in the search for the missing Captain Grant.