Frantic, knowing they could be lost at any moment, the sailors began to lighten the vessel. Masts were stripped and rigging was hurled overboard along with chests and trunks and anything that wasn't tied down. Butts of beer and hogsheads of oil, cider, wine, and vinegar were staved in and emptied. All the armament on the starboard side of the vessel was dumped overboard to ease the ship's list. It was proposed that the mainmast be chopped down, a serious move since it would leave the ship helpless, or almost helpless, if she managed to somehow ride out the storm.