One boat lowered away with the plugs out, filled with women and children and then with water, and capsized.

Another boat had been lowered by one end, and still hung in the tackle by the other end, where it had been abandoned.

Nothing was to be seen of the strange steamboat which had caused the disaster, though I heard men saying that she would undoubtedly send boats to our assistance.
I descended to the lower deck.

The _Martinez_ was sinking fast, for the water was very near.

Numbers of the passengers were leaping overboard.
Others, in the water, were clamouring to be taken aboard again.