Prompt #21: Escape
The crippled freighter now lay low in the harbor, seawater pouring into the hold. Sherlock Holmes was engaged in simultaneously spitting out brine and supporting a groggy physician, who had been knocked unconscious by the boiler explosion.
The detective eyed the single narrow hole while paddling one-handedly, perceiving a thin man could easily fit through the opening before the hold was submerged. After coming round as water filled their prison, Watson too instantly realised the fact.
Holmes was finally saved a hook to the jaw and a violent shove through the gap by the timely arrival of the water police.