Rafts were constructed , but several were swamped in attempts to carry a rope to the shore and the men on the raft that remained upright were forced to cut the rope to prevent them from foundering in the heavy seas .
Rafts were constructed , but several were swamped in attempts to carry a rope to the shore . 
 The men on the one raft that remained upright were forced to cut the rope to prevent them from foundering in the heavy seas .