noon
The sea came tumbling in in long and heavy surges , and the ship plunged deeply and violently . The hands were called out at ten o'clock -- ` Down yards and masts ! ' The fore and main yards were lowered , and the topmasts were struck , and the ship , relieved by the removal of so much top weight , rode more easily . At noon , so little apprehension was felt for the effects of the storm , that a salute was fired in commemoration of the day . The gale gradually increased in violence ; and at half-past twelve , after a heavy pitch , the cry was heard , ` The small bower has parted ! ' -- ` Let go the sheet ! ' was the order in reply , followed by the heavy plunge of the anchor .