Final answer:
The signal fire died likely due to the characters' preoccupation with survival and their struggle at sea, leading to negligence of the fire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The signal fire in the story likely died due to negligence from the characters who were supposed to maintain it, as indicated by the detailed narrative which focuses on the struggles and distractions of the shipwrecked group. They are preoccupied with their immediate survival and managing the boat, facing challenges such as waves, currents, and their own exhaustion from the ordeal.
Their focus is divided, and they are not able to give attention to the signal fire, which signifies hope for rescue. In the text, it is not stated explicitly why the signal fire died, but from the context, it can be inferred that the characters' precarious circumstance and the lack of manpower or attention contributed to the fire's demise.