Despite the protection of the inlet, three of the five vessels were severely damaged by the strong winds and pounding waves of the storm. Miraculously, 58 of Villanueva's 60 men survived the terrible storm.

June 28th, 1933. As the morning sun rose on the horizon, Villanueva and his men made their way from the vessels to the shores of the unknown island. The crew salvaged the supplies from the damaged ships and unloaded all of the remaining gear onto the white sandy beach of the island. Under orders to use extreme caution, some of the crew scouted the island in search of dry timber and any source of food they might come across. A large fire was quickly established, giving warmth to the soaked crew and allowing them to dry their drenched clothing and gear. A few of the crew managed to gather fruit from the vast jungle that covered most of the island's surface. Later that evening, the men gathered around the fire and discussed plans on the return voyage home, who would go, who would stay and when a rescue voyage would return. A decision was reached, Villanueva and 38 of his crew (19 per boat) would return back to the mainland. They would unload the supplies they did not need in a port storage facility, and promptly return in both ships to retrieve the other 20 men. The men settled down for a good night's rest as the sun set in the distance.

June 29th, 1933. Early in the morning, Villianueva and his 38 men set sail, as the other remaining crew members sat on the shore waving to their shipmates. The shore bound crew settled in for a long day of waiting, one that would seem to never end.