Analysis

In spite of small miracles and saving graces, the Pacific Ocean still maintains its harsh, unyielding hold over the castaways. Adding to the suffering is another hope of rescue that is quickly dashed by enemy gunfire.

The third plane Louie spots overhead resuscitates a desperate hope of a new savior, but by now the men have drifted into Japanese waters—figuratively the edge of hell. Louie has to brave sharks in order to avoid being killed by the Japanese plane’s gunfire. That he lives through this terror—as do his crewmates—is either a testimony of his survival skills, or a testimony of Phil’s “protective God,” or perhaps testimony to both.