Korovin freed the boy at once. By the end of April, the
spring gales had subsided, and though half his men were prostrate with
scurvy, there was nothing for Korovin to do but dare the sea. They
sailed out from Oonalaska on April 26 heading back toward Oomnak, where
Medvedeff had anchored.
In the straits between the different Aleutian Islands runs a terrific
tide-rip. Crossing from Oonalaska to Oomnak, Korovin's ship was caught
by the counter-currents and cross winds. Not more than five men were
well enough to stand upon their feet. The ship drifted without pilot
or oarsmen, and driving the full force of wind and tide foundered on
the end of Oomnak Island. Ammunition, sails, and skins for fresh
rowboats were all that could be saved of the wreck. One
scurvy-stricken sailor was drowned trying to reach land; another died
on being lifted from the stiflingly close hold to fresh air. Eight
hostages sprang overboard and escaped. Of the sixteen white men and
four hostages left, three were powerless from scurvy. This last blow
on top of a winter's siege was too much for the Russians.
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