Final answer:
The crew did not play dominoes due to their exhaustion, the direness of their survival situation, and the intense focus required to manage their boat in rough seas.
Step-by-step explanation:
It can reasonably be inferred from the passage that the crew most likely did not play dominoes because they were exhausted and struggling for survival. The men had been without significant sleep for two days and nights, and the stress of dealing with a foundering ship had left them with little desire to eat, let alone partake in leisure activities such as playing games. Additionally, the task of managing the boat in rough seas required all their attention and strength, which is evident when the passage describes the handling of the boat as an "absorbing" task that precluded even a quiet cheerfulness, and rowing is mentioned as a "diabolical punishment" rather than an enjoyable pastime.
The passage does not mention the crew playing dominoes. Instead, it describes their activities such as rowing, watching the shore, and smoking cigars. In fact, the correspondent wonders how anyone could find rowing amusing and considers it a punishment. This suggests that the crew most likely did not play dominoes because they were preoccupied with the challenges of their situation and did not find leisure activities appealing during their struggle for survival.