We're Not Afraid to Die... If We Can All Be Together

We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together, Class 11 English

Gordon Cook and Alan East are the authors of the memoir “We’re Not Afraid to Die… if We Can All Be Together.” The book recounts the authors’ experiences during their voyage aboard the yacht “Tambora” in 1976, when they encountered a severe storm in the Indian Ocean. Despite facing numerous challenges and the threat of death, the crew remained united and resilient throughout their ordeal. The title reflects their determination to overcome adversity as a team, highlighting the importance of solidarity and companionship in the face of danger. We're Not Afraid to Die... If We Can All Be Together

Table of Contents

20 Important Sentences: We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together

“For the longest time, Mary and I—a 37-year-old businessman—had dreamt of sailing in the wake of the famous explorer.”
“Gales did not worry me, but the size of the waves was alarming—up to 15 meters, as high as our main mast.”
“Then came a growing roar, and an enormous cloud towered aft of the ship.”
“The roar increased to a thunder as the stern moved up the face of the wave.”
“I accepted my approaching death, and as I was losing consciousness, I felt quite peaceful.”
“The first indication of an impending disaster came at about 6 p.m., with an ominous silence.”
“Mary appeared. ‘We’re sinking!’ she screamed.”
“Somehow I managed to stretch canvas and secure waterproof hatch covers across the gaping holes.”
“The water level rose threateningly.”
“The night dragged on with an endless, bitterly cold routine of pumping, steering, and working the radio.”
“Sue’s head had swollen alarmingly; she had two enormous black eyes.”
“We had survived for 15 hours since the wave hit.”
“Wavewalker wouldn’t hold together long enough for us to reach Australia.”
“We could not set any sail on the main mast.”
“I checked our charts and calculated that there were two small islands a few hundred kilometers to the east.”
“But unless the wind and seas abated so we could hoist sail, our chances would be slim indeed.”
“At 4 p.m., black clouds began building up behind us; within the hour, the wind was back to 40 knots.”
“When I went in to comfort the children, Jon asked, ‘Daddy, are we going to die?'”
“I rushed on deck and gazed with relief at the stark outline of Ile Amsterdam.”
“With land under my feet again, my thoughts were full of Larry and Herbie, cheerful and optimistic under the direst stress.”

“We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together,” some main phrases used to develop the plot include:

Setting Sail: The story begins with the family setting sail from Plymouth, England, on a round-the-world voyage.
Encountering Rough Weather: The family faces strong gales and enormous waves as they sail through the southern Indian Ocean.
Facing a Catastrophe: The climax of the story occurs when a massive wave strikes their boat, causing severe damage and endangering their lives.
Struggle for Survival: The family must work together to pump out water, repair the boat, and navigate to safety amidst adverse conditions.
Moment of Hope: Despite facing numerous challenges, there are moments of hope, such as when they spot the island of Ile Amsterdam, signaling their impending rescue.
Rescue and Relief: The story concludes with the family being rescued by the inhabitants of the island, providing a sense of relief and closure.

🌊🛥️🌪️🏝️🤝👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏆👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🌟🗺️📜👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🚤🌊

Summary: We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together

The chapter narrates the harrowing experience of Gordon Cook and his family, along with crewmates Larry and Herb, aboard their yacht “Wavewalker”, Our boat Wavewalker, a 23 metre, 30 ton wooden-hulled beauty, had been professionally built, and we had spent months fitting it out and testing it in the roughest weather we could find, during a voyage in the Indian Ocean. Departing from Plymouth, England, the family aimed to recreate Captain James Cook’s round-the-world journey. Despite their extensive preparation and sailing experience, they encounter treacherous conditions, including massive waves and stormy weather. The yacht sustains severe damage, leading to a life-threatening situation. Through relentless efforts, ingenuity, and the unwavering support of each other, they manage to survive and eventually find refuge on the remote island of Ile Amsterdam.
Theme:

The chapter revolves around the themes of resilience, determination, and the strength of human bonds in the face of adversity. It highlights the indomitable spirit of individuals confronting life-threatening situations and emphasizes the importance of solidarity and optimism in overcoming challenges.

The story takes place in the chapter when a family sets out on a treacherous journey and encounters life-threatening conditions at sea. The characters show incredible resiliency and survival tenacity in the face of overwhelming adversity. For example, the captain shows his unflinching commitment in the face of hardship when he takes immediate action to preserve his family and vessel in the face of injuries and a sinking ship. As the story goes on, the family members’ encouragement and support of one another during the suffering highlights the topic of solidarity in times of distress and demonstrates the strength of human relationships.

“We aren’t afraid of dying if we can all be together – you and Mummy, Sue and I,” spoken by the young Jonathan, is a moving text quote that perfectly captures this concept. This quotation emphasizes the value of family ties and the bravery that unites them in difficult times. The protagonists’ reluctance to give up in the face of insurmountable obstacles also serves as an example of the will to endure despite tremendous odds, demonstrating the human spirit’s perseverance.

All things considered, the chapter is a monument to the strength of human connection, perseverance, and tenacity in the face of difficulty. The story emphasizes the value of hope and solidarity in getting through life’s most trying times through the experiences of the characters and their unwavering resolve, striking a deep chord with readers.

Title

“We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together” sums up the main idea of the chapter, which is about the family’s bravery, resiliency, and steadfast will to overcome the life-threatening obstacles they encounter on their treacherous journey. The family members, especially the youngsters, show incredible fortitude and unity in the face of the immediate threat of sinking and potential death. The phrase “facing adversity head-on and finding solace and strength in each other’s company” is highlighted in the title. It emphasizes how the family has a strong tie of love and unity and how they find strength in one another’s support, even while they are in grave peril.

Summary in Hindi: We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together

यह अध्याय हिंद महासागर में एक यात्रा के दौरान अपनी नौका “वेववॉकर” पर सवार गॉर्डन कुक और उनके परिवार के साथ-साथ चालक दल के साथी लैरी और हर्ब के दुखद अनुभव का वर्णन करता है। हमारी नाव वेववॉकर, 23 मीटर, 30 टन लकड़ी की पतवार वाली सौंदर्य, पेशेवर ढंग से बनाया गया था, और हमने महीनों खर्च किए थे इसे फिट करना और सबसे खराब मौसम में इसका परीक्षण करना जो हमें मिल सकता है।प्लायमाउथ, इंग्लैंड से प्रस्थान करते हुए, परिवार का लक्ष्य कैप्टन जेम्स कुक की दुनिया भर की यात्रा को फिर से बनाना था। अपनी व्यापक तैयारी और नौकायन अनुभव के बावजूद, उन्हें भारी लहरों और तूफानी मौसम सहित खतरनाक परिस्थितियों का सामना करना पड़ता है। नौका को गंभीर क्षति हुई है, जिससे जीवन-घातक स्थिति उत्पन्न हो गई है। अथक प्रयासों, सरलता और एक-दूसरे के अटूट समर्थन के माध्यम से, वे जीवित रहने में कामयाब होते हैं और अंततः इले एम्स्टर्डम के सुदूर द्वीप पर शरण पाते हैं।
विषय:

यह अध्याय विपरीत परिस्थितियों में लचीलेपन, दृढ़ संकल्प और मानवीय संबंधों की मजबूती के विषयों के इर्द-गिर्द घूमता है। यह जीवन-घातक स्थितियों का सामना करने वाले व्यक्तियों की अदम्य भावना को उजागर करता है और चुनौतियों पर काबू पाने में एकजुटता और आशावाद के महत्व पर जोर देता है।

कहानी उस अध्याय में घटित होती है जब एक परिवार एक विश्वासघाती यात्रा पर निकलता है और समुद्र में जीवन के लिए खतरनाक परिस्थितियों का सामना करता है। पात्र भारी प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों का सामना करने में अविश्वसनीय लचीलापन और जीवित रहने की दृढ़ता दिखाते हैं। उदाहरण के लिए, कैप्टन कठिनाइयों के बावजूद अपनी अडिग प्रतिबद्धता दिखाता है जब वह चोटों और डूबते जहाज के सामने अपने परिवार और जहाज को बचाने के लिए तत्काल कार्रवाई करता है। जैसे-जैसे कहानी आगे बढ़ती है, पीड़ा के दौरान परिवार के सदस्यों का एक-दूसरे को प्रोत्साहन और समर्थन संकट के समय में एकजुटता के विषय पर प्रकाश डालता है और मानवीय रिश्तों की ताकत को प्रदर्शित करता है।

युवा जोनाथन द्वारा बोला गया “अगर हम सब एक साथ रह सकते हैं तो हम मरने से नहीं डरते – आप और मम्मी, सू और मैं,” एक मार्मिक पाठ उद्धरण है जो इस अवधारणा को पूरी तरह से दर्शाता है। यह उद्धरण पारिवारिक संबंधों के मूल्य और उस बहादुरी पर जोर देता है जो कठिन समय में उन्हें एकजुट करती है। दुर्गम बाधाओं के सामने हार मानने की नायक की अनिच्छा भी मानवीय भावना की दृढ़ता को प्रदर्शित करते हुए, जबरदस्त बाधाओं के बावजूद सहन करने की इच्छा का एक उदाहरण के रूप में कार्य करती है।

सभी बातों पर विचार करने पर, अध्याय कठिनाई के सामने मानवीय संबंध, दृढ़ता और दृढ़ता की ताकत का एक स्मारक है। कहानी पात्रों के अनुभवों और उनके अटूट संकल्प के माध्यम से जीवन के सबसे कठिन समय से गुजरने में आशा और एकजुटता के मूल्य पर जोर देती है, जो पाठकों के साथ गहरा जुड़ाव पैदा करती है।

शीर्षक
“हम मरने से नहीं डरते… अगर हम सब एक साथ रह सकते हैं” अध्याय का मुख्य विचार बताता है, जो परिवार की बहादुरी, लचीलेपन और उनके सामने आने वाली जीवन-घातक बाधाओं को दूर करने की दृढ़ इच्छाशक्ति के बारे में है। विश्वासघाती यात्रा. परिवार के सदस्य, विशेषकर युवा, डूबने और संभावित मृत्यु के तत्काल खतरे का सामना करने में अविश्वसनीय धैर्य और एकता दिखाते हैं। शीर्षक में वाक्यांश “प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों का डटकर सामना करना और एक-दूसरे की संगति में सांत्वना और ताकत ढूंढना” पर प्रकाश डाला गया है। यह इस बात पर जोर देता है कि कैसे परिवार में प्रेम और एकता का मजबूत बंधन है और कैसे वे गंभीर संकट में होने पर भी एक-दूसरे के समर्थन में ताकत पाते हैं।

30 difficult words from the text along with their synonyms, meanings in Hindi, and antonyms:

Honing – Synonyms: sharpening, refining, perfecting; Meaning in Hindi: परिष्करण, समाप्ति; Antonyms: dulling, blunting
Seafaring – Synonyms: maritime, nautical, oceanic; Meaning in Hindi: समुद्री यात्रा, जलयात्री; Antonyms: landlocked, terrestrial
Pinpricks – Synonyms: punctures, stings, jabs; Meaning in Hindi: छेद, छुरा; Antonyms: bulges, bumps
Ominous – Synonyms: foreboding, menacing, threatening; Meaning in Hindi: अशुभ, अमंगल; Antonyms: auspicious, promising
Tousled – Synonyms: disheveled, unkempt, messy; Meaning in Hindi: बिखराई हुई, बदहाल; Antonyms: neat, tidy
Mayday – Synonyms: distress call, emergency signal, SOS; Meaning in Hindi: मेडे, आपातकालीन; Antonyms: safety, security
Atrocious – Synonyms: dreadful, appalling, horrific; Meaning in Hindi: अत्याचारी, निर्दयी; Antonyms: excellent, wonderful
Imminent – Synonyms: impending, forthcoming, approaching; Meaning in Hindi: आसन्न, आगामी; Antonyms: distant, remote
Frightful – Synonyms: terrifying, horrifying, dreadful; Meaning in Hindi: डरावना, भयंकर; Antonyms: comforting, reassuring
Tremendous – Synonyms: enormous, gigantic, immense; Meaning in Hindi: भयानक, विशाल; Antonyms: insignificant, negligible
Explosion – Synonyms: blast, burst, detonation; Meaning in Hindi: विस्फोट, धमाका; Antonyms: implosion, collapse
Torrent – Synonyms: flood, deluge, downpour; Meaning in Hindi: बाढ़, प्रवाह; Antonyms: trickle, dribble
Jerked – Synonyms: yanked, pulled, tugged; Meaning in Hindi: झटका, खींचा; Antonyms: eased, smoothed
Surreal – Synonyms: dreamlike, unreal, hallucinatory; Meaning in Hindi: अवास्तविक, काल्पनिक; Antonyms: real, actual
Gaping – Synonyms: wide, open, cavernous; Meaning in Hindi: खुला, खाई; Antonyms: closed, shut
Paralyzed – Synonyms: immobile, motionless, numb; Meaning in Hindi: लक्ष्याधिक, अचल; Antonyms: mobile, active
Desperate – Synonyms: hopeless, despairing, frantic; Meaning in Hindi: निराश, बेताब; Antonyms: hopeful, optimistic
Catastrophe – Synonyms: disaster, calamity, tragedy; Meaning in Hindi: विपत्ति, आपदा; Antonyms: success, triumph
Respite – Synonyms: relief, break, pause; Meaning in Hindi: विराम, राहत; Antonyms: continuation, continuation
Bleak – Synonyms: dismal, dreary, desolate; Meaning in Hindi: उदास, निराशाजनक; Antonyms: bright, cheerful
Optimistic – Synonyms: hopeful, positive, confident; Meaning in Hindi: आशावादी, सकारात्मक; Antonyms: pessimistic, negative
Conviction – Synonyms: belief, faith, confidence; Meaning in Hindi: निर्णय, अभिश्रान्ति; Antonyms: doubt, uncertainty
Chorused – Synonyms: sang, harmonized, echoed; Meaning in Hindi: समूहगान, साथी; Antonyms: soloed, discorded
Stark – Synonyms: severe, harsh, grim; Meaning in Hindi: बिल्कुल, निरा; Antonyms: mild, gentle
Bleak – Synonyms: dismal, dreary, desolate; Meaning in Hindi: उदास, निराशाजनक; Antonyms: bright, cheerful
Respite – Synonyms: relief, break, pause; Meaning in Hindi: विराम, राहत; Antonyms: continuation, continuation
Bleak – Synonyms: dismal, dreary, desolate; Meaning in Hindi: उदास, निराशाजनक; Antonyms: bright, cheerful
Respite – Synonyms: relief, break, pause; Meaning in Hindi: विराम, राहत; Antonyms: continuation, continuation
Stark – Synonyms: severe, harsh, grim; Meaning in Hindi: बिल्कुल, निरा; Antonyms: mild, gentle
Respite – Synonyms: relief, break, pause; Meaning in Hindi: विराम, राहत; Antonyms: continuation, continuation

Main Points of We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together

The family embarks on a round-the-world voyage inspired by Captain James Cook’s journey 🌍⛵
They encounter rough weather and face huge waves in the southern Indian Ocean 🌊🌪️
The ship, Wavewalker, sustains damage, and they struggle to keep it afloat 🚢💔
Despite the perilous conditions, they celebrate Christmas aboard the ship 🎄🎉
The situation worsens on January 2nd as they face a terrifying wave 🌊😱
The ship is severely damaged, and the captain is thrown overboard 🤕🌊
The crew works tirelessly to repair the ship and pump out water 💪🔧
They improvise solutions to keep the ship afloat, using canvas and hatch covers 🛠️🔩
Sue, one of the children, sustains injuries but remains resilient 💪❤️
The crew faces exhaustion and fears for their lives as the storm continues ⛈️😥
The children express their fears but also their desire to be together as a family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❤️
The captain decides to heave-to to protect the weakened side of the ship 🔄⚓
Mary and the captain share a moment of despair but hold onto hope 🤝🕊️
The crew faces the challenges of navigating and determining their position 🗺️🧭
Sue, despite her injuries, expresses love and gratitude to her parents ❤️😊
The family finds strength in each other and their determination to survive 💪👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
They endure cold, exhaustion, and uncertainty as they battle the elements ❄️😴
The storm eventually subsides, bringing a glimmer of hope 🌤️🙏
The family continues their journey, hoping to find safety and land 🌅🏝️
The ordeal highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the power of family bonds 💖🌟

Perilous: (adjective) Hazardous, risky. Usage: The hikers embarked on a perilous journey through the treacherous mountains.
Resilience: (noun) endurance, toughness Usage: Despite facing numerous setbacks, her resilience helped her bounce back stronger than ever.
Unwavering (adjective) Steadfast, resolute usage: His unwavering commitment to his goals earned him admiration from his peers.
Imminent: (adjective) imminent, forthcoming. Usage: The weather forecast warned of an imminent storm approaching the coastal area.
Solidarity: (noun) unity, camaraderie Usage: The community showed remarkable solidarity in supporting the victims of the natural disaster.
Adversity: (noun) hardship, misfortune Usage: She faced adversity with courage and determination, refusing to succumb to despair.
Solace (noun): comfort, consolation Usage: In times of grief, he found solace in the company of his closest friends.
Treacherous (adjective) Dangerous, hazardous Usage: The icy roads posed a treacherous threat to drivers during the winter storm.
Remarkable – (adjective) Extraordinary, noteworthy usage: Her remarkable achievements in the field of science earned her international recognition.
Ambition: (noun) aspiration, goal Usage: His ambition to become a successful entrepreneur drove him to work tirelessly towards his dreams.
Profound (adjective) Deep, significant usage: The novel offers profound insights into the complexities of human emotions.
Courage: (noun) bravery, valor Usage: Despite her fear, she summoned the courage to confront her fears and speak up against injustice.
Confront: (verb) face, tackle Usage: It was time to confront the challenges head-on and find a solution to the ongoing crisis.
Mortal: (adjective) Deadly, fatal Usage: The doctor warned that the patient’s condition was critical and posed a mortal threat to his life.
Bond: (noun) Connection, link Usage: The strong bond between the siblings was evident in their unwavering support for each other.
Emphasize (verb) Highlight, underscore Usage: The speaker emphasized the importance of environmental conservation in his speech.
Perseverance: (noun) Persistence, determination Usage: Through sheer perseverance, he managed to overcome countless obstacles on his path to success.
Admiration: (noun) respect, esteem Usage: His selfless acts of kindness earned him admiration from all who knew him.
Encouragement: (noun) support, motivation Usage: Her words of encouragement inspired him to pursue his dreams with renewed vigor.
Endurance: (noun) stamina, fortitude Usage: The marathon runner demonstrated incredible endurance as he crossed the finish line after hours of running.

Reading Comprehension

IN July 1976, my wife Mary, son Jonathan, 6, daughter Suzanne, 7, and I set sail from Plymouth, England, to duplicate the roundthe-world voyage made 200 years earlier by Captain James Cook. For the longest time, Mary and I — a 37-year-old businessman — had dreamt of sailing in the wake of the famous explorer, and for the past 16 years we had spent all our leisure time honing our seafaring skills in British waters. Our boat Wavewalker, a 23 metre, 30 ton wooden-hulled beauty, had been professionally built, and we had spent months fitting it out and testing it in the roughest weather we could find. The first leg of our planned three-year, 105,000 kilometre journey passed pleasantly as we sailed down the west coast of Africa to Cape Town. There, before heading east, we took on two crewmen — American Larry Vigil and Swiss Herb Seigler — to help us tackle one of the world’s roughest seas, the southern Indian Ocean.

Questions:

When did the narrator and his family embark on their sailing journey?

The narrator and his family set sail in July 1976.

Who were the members of the narrator’s family accompanying him on the voyage?

The members of the narrator’s family accompanying him on the voyage were his wife Mary, son Jonathan (6 years old), and daughter Suzanne (7 years old).

What was the purpose of the voyage?

The purpose of the voyage was to duplicate the round-the-world journey made by Captain James Cook 200 years earlier.

How long had the narrator and his wife been dreaming of sailing in the wake of Captain James Cook?

The narrator and his wife had been dreaming of this voyage for an extended period.

How did the narrator and his wife prepare for the journey?

The narrator and his wife spent years honing their seafaring skills in British waters to prepare for the journey.

What was the name of their boat and how was it described?

Their boat, Wavewalker, was described as a 23-meter, 30-ton wooden-hulled beauty.

How long was the planned journey in terms of distance?

The planned journey was a three-year, 105,000-kilometer voyage.

Which route did they take for the first leg of their journey?

They sailed down the west coast of Africa to Cape Town for the first leg of their journey.

Why did they take on additional crew members before heading into the southern Indian Ocean?

They took on additional crew members to help them tackle the rough seas of the southern Indian Ocean.

Can you explain the significance of the crew members Larry Vigil and Herb Seigler in assisting with the voyage?

Larry Vigil and Herb Seigler were crucial in assisting the narrator and his family with navigating through the challenging waters of the southern Indian Ocean.

On our second day out of Cape Town, we began to encounter
strong gales. For the next few weeks, they blew continuously.
Gales did not worry me; but the size of the waves was alarming —
up to 15 metres, as high as our main mast.
December 25 found us 3,500 kilometres east of Cape Town.
Despite atrocious weather, we had a wonderful holiday complete
with a Christmas tree. New Year’s Day saw no improvement in
the weather, but we reasoned that it had to change soon. And it
did change — for the worse.
At dawn on January 2, the waves were gigantic. We were
sailing with only a small storm jib and were still making eight
knots. As the ship rose to the top of each wave we could see
endless enormous seas rolling towards us, and the screaming
of the wind and spray was painful to the ears. To slow the boat
down, we dropped the storm jib and lashed a heavy mooring
rope in a loop across the stern. Then we double-lashed
everything, went through our life-raft drill, attached lifelines,
donned oilskins and life jackets — and waited.
The first indication of impending disaster came at about
6 p.m., with an ominous silence. The wind dropped, and the
sky immediately grew dark. Then came a growing roar, and an
enormous cloud towered aft of the ship. With horror, I realised
that it was not a cloud, but a wave like no other I had ever seen.
It appeared perfectly vertical and almost twice the height of the
other waves, with a frightful breaking crest.
The roar increased to a thunder as the stern moved up the
face of the wave, and for a moment I thought we might ride over
it. But then a tremendous explosion shook the deck. A torrent
of green and white water broke over the ship, my head smashed
into the wheel and I was aware of flying overboard and sinking
below the waves. I accepted my approaching death, and as I
was losing consciousness, I felt quite peaceful

Questions:

When did the narrator begin to encounter strong gales?

The narrator began to encounter strong gales on the second day out of Cape Town.

What was the narrator’s reaction to the gales?

The narrator was not worried about the gales themselves but found the size of the waves alarming.

How high were the waves that the narrator encountered?

The waves were as high as 15 meters, reaching up to the main mast of the ship.

Where were they located on December 25th?

They were located 3,500 kilometers east of Cape Town on December 25th.

Despite the weather conditions, what did they do to celebrate Christmas?

Despite the atrocious weather, they celebrated Christmas with a Christmas tree.

What was the weather like on New Year’s Day?

The weather on New Year’s Day did not see any improvement.

What actions did the crew take when they encountered gigantic waves on January 2nd?

When they encountered gigantic waves on January 2nd, they dropped the storm jib, lashed a heavy mooring rope across the stern, and went through their life-raft drill, among other precautions.

What was the first indication of impending disaster that the narrator noticed?

The first indication of impending disaster was an ominous silence followed by a growing roar.

How did the narrator describe the appearance of the wave that posed a threat?

The wave that posed a threat appeared perfectly vertical and almost twice the height of the other waves, with a frightful breaking crest.

What was the narrator’s initial reaction when the wave approached their ship?

Initially, the narrator thought they might ride over the wave, but then a tremendous explosion shook the deck, and the narrator felt peaceful as they accepted their approaching death

Larry and Herb were pumping like madmen. Broken timbers
hung at crazy angles, the whole starboard side bulged inwards;
clothes, crockery, charts, tins and toys sloshed about in deep water.
I half-swam, half-crawled into the children’s cabin. “Are you
all right?” I asked. “Yes,” they answered from an upper bunk.
“But my head hurts a bit,” said Sue, pointing to a big bump
above her eyes. I had no time to worry about bumped heads.
After finding a hammer, screws and canvas, I struggled back
on deck. With the starboard side bashed open, we were taking
water with each wave that broke over us. If I couldn’t make
some repairs, we would surely sink.
Somehow I managed to stretch canvas and secure waterproof
hatch covers across the gaping holes. Some water continued to
stream below, but most of it was now being deflected over the side.
More problems arose when our hand pumps started to block
up with the debris floating around the cabins and the electric
pump short-circuited. The water level rose threateningly. Back
on deck I found that our two spare hand pumps had been
wrenched overboard — along with the forestay sail, the jib, the
dinghies and the main anchor.
Then I remembered we had another electric pump under
the chartroom floor. I connected it to an out-pipe, and was
thankful to find that it worked.
The night dragged on with an endless, bitterly cold routine
of pumping, steering and working the radio. We were getting no
replies to our Mayday calls — which was not surprising in this
remote corner of the world.
Sue’s head had swollen alarmingly; she had two enormous
black eyes, and now she showed us a deep cut on her arm.
When I asked why she hadn’t made more of her injuries before
this, she replied, “I didn’t want to worry you when you were
trying to save us all.”

Answers to the Questions:

Who were pumping to address the emergency situation on the boat?
- Larry and Herb were pumping to address the emergency situation on the boat.
What was the condition of the boat’s starboard side?
- The starboard side of the boat was bashed open, causing water to enter with each wave.
How did the narrator respond to Sue’s injury?
- The narrator asked Sue if she was all right and found out about her head injury and cut arm.
What tools did the narrator use to attempt repairs on the boat?
- The narrator used a hammer, screws, and canvas to attempt repairs on the boat.
What was done to try to prevent further water from entering the boat?
- Canvas was stretched and waterproof hatch covers were secured across the gaping holes to try to prevent further water from entering the boat.
What happened to the hand pumps during the emergency?
- The hand pumps started to block up with debris floating around the cabins.
What was found missing or lost from the boat during the emergency?
- The forestay sail, the jib, the dinghies, and the main anchor were found missing or lost from the boat during the emergency.
How did the narrator address the rising water level inside the boat?
- The narrator remembered another electric pump under the chartroom floor and connected it to an out-pipe to address the rising water level inside the boat.
What was the outcome of the Mayday calls made by the crew?
- The crew received no replies to their Mayday calls, which was not surprising in their remote location.
How did Sue explain her decision to not mention her injuries earlier?
- Sue explained that she didn’t want to worry the narrator while he was trying to save them all.

On January 4, after 36 hours of continuous pumping, we
reached the last few centimetres of water. Now, we had only to
keep pace with the water still coming in. We could not set any
sail on the main mast. Pressure on the rigging would simply
pull the damaged section of the hull apart, so we hoisted the
storm jib and headed for where I thought the two islands were.
Mary found some corned beef and cracker biscuits, and we ate
our first meal in almost two days.
But our respite was short-lived. At 4 p.m. black clouds began
building up behind us; within the hour the wind was back to 40
knots and the seas were getting higher. The weather continued
to deteriorate throughout the night, and by dawn on January 5,
our situation was again desperate.
When I went in to comfort the children, Jon asked, “Daddy,
are we going to die?” I tried to assure him that we could make it.
“But, Daddy,” he went on, “we aren’t afraid of dying if we can all
be together — you and Mummy, Sue and I.”
I could find no words with which to respond, but I left the
children’s cabin determined to fight the sea with everything I
had. To protect the weakened starboard side, I decided to heaveto — with the undamaged port hull facing the oncoming waves,
using an improvised sea anchor of heavy nylon rope and two 22
litre plastic barrels of paraffin.
That evening, Mary and I sat together holding hands, as the
motion of the ship brought more and more water in through the
broken planks. We both felt the end was very near.
But Wavewalker rode out the storm and by the morning of
January 6, with the wind easing, I tried to get a reading on the
sextant. Back in the chartroom, I worked on wind speeds,

changes of course, drift and current in an effort to calculate our
position. The best I could determine was that we were somewhere
in 150,000 kilometres of ocean looking for a 65 kilometre-wide
island.
While I was thinking, Sue, moving painfully, joined me. The
left side of her head was now very swollen and her blackened
eyes narrowed to slits. She gave me a card she had made.
On the front she had drawn caricatures of Mary and me
with the words: “Here are some funny people. Did they make
you laugh? I laughed a lot as well.” Inside was a message: “Oh,
how I love you both. So this card is to say thank you and let’s
hope for the best.” Somehow we had to make it.

Answers to the Questions:

How long did the crew pump continuously on January 4?
- The crew pumped continuously for 36 hours on January 4.
What was the situation regarding water inside the boat after the continuous pumping?
- After the continuous pumping, they reached the last few centimeters of water inside the boat.
Why couldn’t they set any sail on the main mast?
- They couldn’t set any sail on the main mast because pressure on the rigging would pull the damaged section of the hull apart.
What did they hoist instead to navigate?
- Instead of setting sail on the main mast, they hoisted the storm jib to navigate.
What did Mary find for their meal after the continuous pumping?
- Mary found some corned beef and cracker biscuits for their meal after the continuous pumping.
What weather conditions worsened again on January 5?
- Black clouds began building up, and the wind increased to 40 knots, with the seas getting higher again on January 5.
What did Jon express his fear about to his father?
- Jon expressed his fear about dying to his father but mentioned that they weren’t afraid as long as they could all be together.
What decision did the narrator make to protect the weakened starboard side?
- The narrator decided to heave-to, with the undamaged port hull facing the oncoming waves, using an improvised sea anchor of heavy nylon rope and two 22-liter plastic barrels of paraffin.
How did Sue express her feelings despite her painful condition?
- Sue expressed her feelings by giving the narrator a card she had made, which included caricatures of Mary and him, along with a message expressing love and hope.
What were the narrator’s efforts focused on as the wind eased on January 6?
- As the wind eased on January 6, the narrator’s efforts were focused on calculating their position using a sextant and working on wind speeds, changes of course, drift, and current in an effort to locate their position in the vast ocean.

Understanding the text:We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together

List the steps taken by the captain:
- To protect the ship when rough weather began:
  - Dropping the storm jib to slow down the boat.
  - Lashing a heavy mooring rope across the stern.
  - Double-lashing everything on deck.
  - Going through a life-raft drill, attaching lifelines, donning oilskins, and life jackets.
- To check the flooding of the water in the ship:
  - Stretching canvas and securing waterproof hatch covers across the gaping holes.
  - Using an electric pump found under the chartroom floor after the hand pumps failed.
  - Improvising to deflect most of the water over the side of the ship.
Describe the mental condition of the voyagers on January 4 and 5:
- On January 4, after continuous pumping for 36 hours, they felt exhausted but hopeful as they neared the end of the flooding.
- On January 5, their situation again became desperate as the weather deteriorated, and they feared for their lives.
Describe the shifts in the narration of the events as indicated in the three sections of the text. Give a subtitle to each section:
- Section 1: Facing the Storm
  - Narration focuses on encountering the storm and describing the immediate actions taken to protect the ship.
- Section 2: Struggling Against Adversity
  - The narrative shifts to dealing with the aftermath of the storm, including repairing damage and addressing flooding.
- Section 3: Holding onto Hope
  - Focus on the emotional and mental states of the crew, their determination to survive, and their efforts to navigate and find a safe haven.

Talking about the text:

What difference did you notice between the reactions of the adults and the children when faced with danger?
- The adults focused on practical tasks and problem-solving, while the children expressed fear but also resilience and a desire to be together as a family.
How does the story suggest that optimism helps to endure “the direst stress”?
- The characters’ optimism and determination to survive, despite facing extreme danger, provide them with the strength to endure and overcome the challenges they face.
What lessons do we learn from such hazardous experiences when we are face-to-face with death?
- Such experiences teach us the value of resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of hope and solidarity in the face of adversity. They also highlight the fragility of life and the need to cherish every moment.
Why do you think people undertake such adventurous expeditions in spite of the risks involved?
- People undertake adventurous expeditions for various reasons, including a sense of exploration and discovery, the thrill of challenge and adventure, and the opportunity to push personal boundaries and test one’s limits.

Thinking about language:

How many words does your language have for ‘storm’?
- Different languages may have various words to describe storms, depending on their cultural and geographical contexts.
Think of similar terms in your language for different kinds of vessels.
- Yacht: (example terms in other languages: sailboat, jacht, voilier)
- Boat: (example terms in other languages: bateau, barco, boot)
- Canoe: (example terms in other languages: kano, kanu, canoa)
- Ship: (example terms in other languages: schiff, navire, barco)
Do you know which Indian language the word ‘catamaran’ is derived from?
- The word ‘catamaran’ is derived from the Tamil language.
Have you heard any boatmen’s songs? What kind of emotions do these songs usually express?
- Boatmen’s songs often express a range of emotions, including longing, nostalgia, hope, and resilience. They may reflect the challenges and joys of a life spent on the water.

Working with words:

In what contexts would you use the other meaning of ship terminology?
- Knot: refers to a unit of speed or a type of fastening.
- Stern: referring to the rear part of something or indicating seriousness.
- Boom: refers to a sudden increase or a loud sound.
- Hatch: refers to an opening in a floor or ceiling or to planning or devising something.
- Anchor: refers to a source of stability or a person or thing that provides support.
What does each compound word with ‘-ship’ mean?
- Airship: A large, powered balloon or dirigible used for transportation.
- Flagship: The most important or prominent ship in a fleet.
- Lightship: A ship equipped with a light to warn or guide other ships.
In what meaning is ‘take on’ used in the third paragraph of the account?
- In the third paragraph, ‘take on’ is used in the context of “to engage or employ,” as in taking on crewmen Larry Vigil and Herb Seigler to assist with sailing through rough seas.

Things to do:

Label the parts of the yacht using the terms given.
- (See the labeled diagram with the provided terms.)
Locate Ile Amsterdam on the world map.
- (Locate Ile Amsterdam in the South Indian Ocean, between the southernmost parts of Australia and South Africa, using latitude and longitude coordinates.)

Short Answer Questions