Peter tries to use his height to peer higher, scanning the deck from end to end, but he shakes his head. "No, there's no one outside."

The meaning of that is getting worse and worse. Peter knows that it's now urgent that they see what's going on for themselves, because it's a matter if people will stay safe. Or alive.

"Over there," Peter points to the ladder that was described to them. With the two boats so close together, the hull of the fishing boat looms over them like a sheer wall. The rungs hang over them as they go straight up, looking like a challenging climb as if the task of even getting onto the boat had to be unwelcoming.