What happened at the site of the shipwreck?

David is awakened to hear the shouting about a shipwreck on the beach; he leaves the inn and goes down to the shore.  He discovers that Ham is trying to run and help the people who are evacuating the ship and trying to save many who are already dead.  Ham ties himself with a rope and begins to swim, but before he can reach the ship, he is washed over by a huge wave and dies.  David also discovers Steerforth's body and has to prepare himself to inform Steerforth's family and also think about his "history" and his friendship with Steerforth.