Revelation 8:9 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

And the third part of the creatures that were in the sea — That is, of all sorts of men, of every station and degree. Died — By those merciless invaders. And the third part of the ships were destroyed — It is a frequent thing to resemble a state or republic to a ship, wherein many people are embarked together, and share in the same dangers. And how many states were utterly destroyed by those inhuman conquerors! Much likewise of this was literally fulfilled. How often was the sea tinged with blood! How many of those who dwelt mostly upon it were killed! And what number of ships destroyed!