The glorious battleship CSS Virginia sails up the James River toward the Confederate capital, Richmond. However, as it does so, it is moving in shallow water and must be lightened. Some of its armor is therefore removed and abandoned. Gradually, the battleship risks running aground, and with this lightened ship, it becomes impossible to engage the Union fleet. It is therefore decided to set it ablaze. The Santa Barbara explodes shortly thereafter, and CSS Virginia sinks, still unconquered.
