Describe the mental condition of the voyagers on 4th and 5th January.

On the 4th and 5th of January, the voyagers’ mental condition transitioned from a short-lived relief to intense apprehension and distress, mirroring the unpredictable and challenging nature of their voyage.

On January 4th, having spent a relentless 36 hours pumping water out of the ship, they finally managed to nearly clear the inundation, giving them a temporary sense of achievement and respite. This relief was further complemented by the fact that they could eat their first meal in almost two days, which likely provided a fleeting moment of normalcy and rejuvenation.

However, by January 5th, the deteriorating sea conditions reversed their brief moment of hope. As the sea grew rougher during the night, the palpable fear of death and the uncertainty of their fate pushed them into a state of heightened anxiety. The once-celebratory atmosphere from having nearly drained the ship was now overridden by grim anticipation and a looming sense of doom. Their mental fortitude was tested as they grappled with the enormity of their situation, facing not only the tangible threats of the sea but also the internal battle against despair and hopelessness.