So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea. When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. And the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. Acts 27:38-42
The light of day revealed a sandy beach which was much to be preferred over the otherwise rocky shoreline. The plan was to beach the ship on the sand. Though it was a great plan, the waves dictated another outcome. The ship hit and stuck fast on a reef. Now nearer the shore, though the storm seemed to have subsided, the crashing of the surf was breaking the ship to pieces.
The soldiers were afraid that the prisoners would escape. If that happened, the soldiers would be held liable, so they planned to execute the prisoners. What a revelation of how ‘valuable’ human life was in that day and culture!
But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land. Acts 27:43-44
The plan to execute the prisoners was countermanded by the centurion (the officer in charge). This man seems to have taken a liking to Paul, so for Paul’s sake the lives of the prisoners were spared. The secondary cause of this action was the centurion, but the primary cause was God, who providentially intended to get Paul to Rome. Once again we see events being directed by God for the sake of His man, Paul. Whether we are threatened by weather or people or anything else, God will see that His plans come to pass.
There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD's counsel--that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21