Written by Alan Fennell and directed by Desmond Saunders, it was first broadcast on 2 October 1966 on ATV London and Anglia Television as the first episode of Series Two.

The lead characters are ex-astronaut Jeff Tracy, founder of International Rescue, and his five adult sons, who pilot the organisation's primary vehicles: the Thunderbird machines.

In 1967, Century 21 released an audio adaptation on vinyl EP record (catalogue number MA 125), narrated by David Graham as Gordon Tracy.

Jeff, who has been following TV newscasts on the crisis in the Atlantic, contacts Scott and reprimands him for getting International Rescue involved when there was no immediate threat to human life.

The navy prepares to evacuate the rig as a precaution, but Scott, discouraged by Jeff's admonishment, sees no need for any further action by International Rescue, reasoning that the fire will eventually burn itself out.

Forced to act, Scott sends his brothers back out to rescue Hooper and O'Shea while navy helijets airlift the rest of the crew to safety.

By the time Jeff arrives home, proud of his sons' performance, Scott needs a holiday himself and has no hesitation in handing control back to his father.

[1][3][4] In the opening scene, set in Australia, Lady Penelope detonates an explosive charge in a rock formation to clear a path for a giant road-laying vehicle.

[7] Stephen La Rivière praises the episode's "giant fire jet" special effects and calls it an "excellent start" to Series Two.

[8] Mark Braxton describes the conflict between father and son as "compelling" and considers the episode's underwater action a "pleasing throwback" to Thunderbirds' precursor, Stingray.