Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 27:16

"And running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat:" — Acts 27:16 (ASV)

And running under. Running near to an island. They ran near to it, where the violence of the wind was probably broken by the island.

Which is called Clauda. This is a small island southwest of Crete.

We had much work. Much difficulty; we were scarcely able to do it.

To come by the boat. This does not mean that they attempted here to land in the boat, but they had much difficulty in saving the small boat attached to the ship, from being broken to pieces. Whether it was carried in the ship or towed at the stern, does not appear, but it is evident that it was in danger of being broken to pieces, or lost, and that they had much difficulty in securing it. The importance of securing the small boat is known by all seamen.