Interesting and by weaving 3 stories across the book your interest is mantianed until the climatic ending.
However I found 1 story interesting; that of the preteenage kids and the associated child psychology.
I found the writing style at times dull and a little verbose.
If you wish to read a better book based on the ocean, go to Iris Murdocks The Sea The Sea. Another Booker prize winner, with a man wistfully looking back at his past - but a real hoot.