Acts 27:16 recounts a moment during Paul's storm-tossed voyage: 'Passing to the lee of a small island (νησίον) called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the ship's boat.' The diminutive form of νῆσος ('island') denotes a small island or islet—in this case, Cauda (modern Gavdos), a rocky outcrop south of Crete. The sheltered side of the island provided brief respite from the gale, allowing the sailors to haul in the dinghy before it was swamped or lost. Luke's attention to nautical detail lends vividness and credibility to the narrative. The small island becomes a minor grace note in God's providence: a momentary protection that helps preserve the ship and all aboard until the final wreck on Malta.