Question

the storm had passed, and the sea grew calm. after hours of floundering, our small boat had survived. i never thought our little vessel would hold up to the tossing and thrashing of the unforgiving ocean. floundering means: _

Explanation:

The context shows the boat was struggling in the rough - ocean before the storm passed. "Floundering" here implies the boat was having difficulty moving or was in a state of distress in the water.

Answer:

Struggling or having difficulty moving in the water.