and when the ship was caught in it and could not head against the wind [to gain stability], we gave up and [letting her drift] were driven along.

After hoisting it up, they used ropes and tackle and girded the ship. Then, fearing they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the drift-anchor, and in this way they were driven along.

Then the soldiers cut away the ropes that held the skiff and let it fall and drift away.