 With their captain killed the crew were thrown into confusion and Cumming was able to board the vessel , followed by a marine and six sailors – all that could fit on the deck at the time . Cumming and his men were able to drive the 27 @-@ strong and fully armed crew below and lock them beneath the hatches . He got the rest of the pinnace 's crew aboard and ordered the Portuguese crew shackled to the anchor cable . The other two slavers could have changed the course of events if they chose to get involved but instead made their escape . The Vincedora displaced just 55 tons but was found to be carrying 338 slaves , having left Africa with 450 . 
