How do the men form a brotherhood?

Pitted against an indifferent nature, the men develop a sense of community in the boat. The correspondent is grateful for "the subtle brotherhood of men that was here established on the seas." The men never speak of the solidarity they mutually feel, but it is what enables them to maintain sanity and a sense of order in the trying situation. The story suggests that, in a universe indifferent to humanity's fate, shared understanding and mutual respect among people is vital to survival.