How did Phillip and Timothy survive during the hurricane?

Phillip and Timothy survive the hurricane because of solid preparation and a lot of luck. Their preparations begin in chapter 14 when they realize that a big storm is quickly approaching. Phillip ties the keg to a palm tree, and he ties the rest of the rope around a palm for them to cling to if the storm surge gets too high. They also eat a large meal because the fish will not return to the cay for several days after the storm if finished. When the storm does finally hit in chapter 15, Timothy and Phillip take shelter in the hut. The hut eventually breaks apart in the storm, and the two characters retreat to the palm tree and tie themselves to it. Timothy positions himself so that his body takes the full force of the storm, and his body serves as a shield for Phillip. The storm rages on, and both of them survive the storm; however, the storm has battered Timothy so badly that he dies soon after. Phillip is now "blind and alone on a forgotten cay."