In 1955 the United States-owned ship Joyita mysteriously disappeared while sailing between Apia, Samoa, and Tokelau in the Pacific Ocean. The ship was discovered in poor condition near Fiji five weeks later, but no trace has ever been found of the 25 crew and passengers who had been aboard. This is an account of events and a thorough investigation of possible explanations. It evokes the exotic expatriate life of the mid-century Pacific Islands with colorful characters and unexpected relationships.