This was a difficult and dangerous manoeuvre in the heavy sea which was running at the time.

The professors' barge, which was secured at the davits on the weather side of the ship, was to be lowered with her crew on board, and they took their places on the thwarts, with their hands to the oars in readiness for action.

The principal had requested Mr.Fluxion to go in the barge and Mr.Peaks in the gig, not to command the boats, but to give the officers such suggestions as the emergency of the occasion might require.
"All ready, sir," reported Ward, the coxswain of the barge, when the oarsmen were in their places.
"Stand by the after tackle, Ward," said Haven.

"Bowman, attend to the fore tackle." At a favorable moment, when a great wave was sinking down by the ship's side, the order was given to lower away, and in an instant the barge struck the water.

Ward cast off the after tackle, and the bowman did the same with the forward tackle.