foundering (noun)

1. During the storm, the sailors prayed fervently for divine intervention to save their foundering ship.

2. Why did the pirate refuse to join the sinking ship? Because he didn't want to be foundering!

3. In the magical world of Elphoria, the water spirits could prevent any ship from foundering.

4. The author beautifully described the intense emotions experienced by the characters as their ship began foundering in the treacherous sea.