In the three hours since the ship had struck the Scar, the sea had taken a heavy toll on the lifeboats. All but one had been swept away or smashed.

At five past seven, the Captain asked Second Officer Gwynn to find a volunteer crew and attempt to get ashore with a line in the last remaining lifeboat. Seven seamen went with him. As soon as the boat was lowered into the sea it was dashed against the side and most of the oars were broken or lost overboard.