His survival in the open ocean was a miracle; he had fully expected to die.

What seek we here / Amid this waste where desolation scowls, / And the red torrent, brawling down the linn, / Sings everlasting discord?

When the station was reached the doctor, of course, said that Garfield's death had been instantaneous, and as he was vested with coronial powers a formal inquest was held before burial.

exquisite pain or pleasure