Sea Rescue Reading Comprehension

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📖 Reading Passage

The Storm at Sea

Ten-year-old Jake gripped the side of his grandfather's fishing boat as the waves grew larger and more threatening. What had started as a calm morning trip to catch mackerel had quickly turned into a nightmare. Dark clouds had rolled in without warning, and now the small vessel was being tossed about like a toy in a bathtub.

"Hold on tight, lad!" shouted Grandpa over the howling wind. But as he spoke, an enormous wave crashed over the boat, and Jake felt himself being swept into the churning grey water. The icy sea filled his mouth and nose as he struggled to stay afloat, his heavy waterproof jacket dragging him down.

Through the spray and chaos, Jake could hear his grandfather's desperate shouts and the distant rumble of an engine. A bright orange lifeboat appeared through the mist, cutting through the waves with determination. Strong hands pulled Jake from the water just as his strength was beginning to fail.

Later, wrapped in warm blankets aboard the rescue vessel, Jake watched as the coastguard crew also helped his grandfather to safety. The fishing boat had been damaged, but they were both alive. As they headed back to shore, Jake realised he had never been so grateful to see dry land approaching.

🤔 Comprehension Questions

1. What does the phrase "tossed about like a toy in a bathtub" tell us about the boat?

The boat was very small

The boat had no power against the large waves

The boat was broken

The boat was moving very fast

2. What does the word "determination" suggest about the lifeboat crew?

3. How do we know that Jake was becoming very tired in the water?

4. Put these events in the correct order by numbering them 1-4:

_____ Jake is pulled from the water

_____ Dark clouds appear

_____ Jake falls into the sea

_____ The lifeboat appears

5. Why do you think Jake had "never been so grateful to see dry land"?

6. Find and copy one word from the passage that means "very cold":

_______________

✍️ Writing Task

7. Imagine you are Jake telling your best friend about your rescue the next day at school. Write a paragraph describing how you felt during the most frightening part of your experience. Use descriptive words to help your friend understand your emotions.