In this way they proceeded until Aiken had ascertained the channel, when signal was given from the ship for him to return on board.
He was then within pistol shot, but so furious was the current, and tumultuous the breakers, that the boat became unmanageable, and was hurried away, the crew crying out piteously for assistance.

In a few moments she could not be seen from the ship's deck.

Some of the passengers climbed to the mizzen top, and beheld her still struggling to reach the ship; but shortly after she broached broadside to the waves, and her case seemed desperate.

The attention of those on board of the ship was now called to their own safety.

They were in shallow water; the vessel struck repeatedly, the waves broke over her, and there was danger of her foundering.