24 July. The ship seems to be under a curse. Already we are missing a sailor. Now we are entering the Bay of Biscay with wild weather ahead. Last night another man was lost, disappeared. Like the first man who vanished, he finished his watch and was not seen again. The men are all in a panic. They sent a message, asking to have double watch, as they fear to be alone. The mate is angry. I worry that there will be some trouble, as either he or the men get violent.

28 July. Four days in hell, struggling in a violent storm, and the wind a tempest. No sleep for anyone. The men are all worn out. I hardly know how to set a watch, since no one is able to do it. The second mate volunteered to steer and watch, and let the men get a few hours sleep. The wind is getting less. The seas are still terrifying, but we feel them less as the ship is steadier.

29 July. Another disaster. Just one man was on watch tonight, because the crew were too tired to double. When the morning watch came on deck they could find no one except the steersman. They were upset and shouted so everyone came on deck. We looked everywhere but no one was found. I am now without a second mate, and the crew is very scared. The first mate and I agreed to go armed and wait for any sign of what is causing this.

Vocabulary:

Curse: When something evil is promised
Violent: Getting angry and harming someone
Struggle: Fight to do something
Tempest: Very strong winds and rain
Worn out: Completely tired
Volunteer: Offer to do something
Disaster: Something very bad
Steersman: The man who streers the ship
Go armed: Carry weapons