Final answer:
Sir Francis Drake was a renowned Elizabethan seafarer who aided Ralph Lane's attempt to establish a settlement in North America. A severe hurricane and loss of supplies led to the abandonment of this effort, with Lane and his men returning to England with Drake.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sir Francis Drake was a prominent figure during the Elizabethan era, known for his seafaring accomplishments. As Sir Walter Raleigh's relation, Drake had the distinction of commanding the largest English fleet to reach North America by that time. In June 1586, Drake arrived offshore to provide aid to Ralph Lane and his colony, who were attempting to establish an Elizabethan Settlement in the New World. Lane's request for assistance was met eagerly, with Drake supplying materials, boats, and a specially designed shallow-draft ship to enable the colony's efforts to continue until further reinforcements could arrive.
However, a massive hurricane struck while the English fleet was anchored offshore, leading to the loss of the supplied ship and some of Lane's men. After enduring days of harsh weather and the destruction brought by the hurricane, which was one of the severest to hit the Carolinas, Lane lost his will to stay in the settlement. He and his remaining group decided to return to England with Drake, concluding the attempt to settle there at that time.