An unsavoury underwear incident has left the Nautical Laundry with severe money troubles! Without drastic action the business will sink, but the crew of rats and pirates can't see a way out . Meanwhile, a new doctor has arrived in Ratbridge touting 'Black Jollop'; a miracle cure for just about everything. And the best part? It's FREE and available to all! Arthur's grandfather is one of the first to take the medicine, but before long supplies run out. When the doctor offers ahuge sum for a voyage to gather ingredients, the crew jumps at the chance to pay off their debt only to find a nasty surprise in store. Luckily, Arthur and Fish, the boxtroll, have secretly stowed away. Can they save the day? This is the first part of the gloriously-illustrated Worse Things Happen at Sea!, now published as three easy-to-digest paperback volumes.