The climax is the moment of greatest tension in a story. In The Open Boat the men jump off the boat into the water as the boat overturns as the climax,
and the highest point of emotional intensity, comes as the men struggle to reach the shore and wonder why no one sees them, not knowing there is no lighthouse or house of refuge. So, when no one is to be seen, the men realize that they must try to reach shore on their own. The captain cautions that the boat will swamp and they must swim to shore. Finally, a man runs and undresses; rushing into the sea toward them.