On the sea (hereabouts) there are many pirates, to meet with whom is speedy death.

The great ocean spreads out, a boundless expanse.

There is no knowing east or west; only by observing the sun, moon, and stars was it possible to go forward.

If the weather were dark and rainy, (the ship) went as she was carried by the wind, without any definite course.

In the darkness of the night, only the great waves were to be seen, breaking on one another, and emitting a brightness like that of fire, with huge turtles and other monsters of the deep (all about).
The merchants were full of terror, not knowing where they were going.
The sea was deep and bottomless, and there was no place where they could drop anchor and stop.