The centurion decided to follow the judgment of the majority. Accordingly, “when the south wind blew softly,” they set sail from Fair Havens, with the flattering prospect that a few hours would bring them to the desired harbor. All were now rejoicing that they had not followed the advice of Paul: but their hopes were destined to be speedily disappointed. They had not proceeded far, when a tempestuous wind, such as in that latitude often succeeds the blowing of the south wind, burst upon them with merciless fury. From the first moment that the wind struck the vessel, its condition was hopeless. So sudden was the blow, that the sailors had not a moment in which to prepare, and they could only leave the ship to the mercy of the tempest.{LP 264.2}

Befalingsmanden ønskede at følge flertallets afgørelse. "Da der nu blæste en svag søndenvind op" satte de sejl til "De gode havne," med en god udsigt til at de ville komme til den ønske havn inden for få timer. Alle glædede sig nu over at de ikke havde fulgt Paulus råd: men deres håb var forudbestemt til en hurtig skuffelse. De havde ikke set så langt forud, da en stomfuld vind, der havde frit spillerum, ofte fulgte efter søndenvinden, vejede over dem i nådeløs raseri. Fra det første øjeblik at vinden slog mod båden, var den i håbløs tilstand. Slaget var så pludseligt, at sømændene ikke havde et øjeblik til at forberede sig, og de kunne blot overlade skibet til uvejrets nåde.