The correct answer is B. violent storm.
A tempest is a violent storm, especially with strong winds and rain. It is a synonym for a hurricane, typhoon, or cyclone.
Bad weather is a general term for any weather that is unpleasant or inconvenient. It can include things like rain, snow, wind, and hail.
A typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone that forms in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a synonym for a hurricane.
A whirlpool is a large, rotating column of water that forms in a body of water, such as a lake or ocean. It can be dangerous to boats and swimmers.
In the context of the question, the ship was caught in a violent storm and all but the captain were drowned. This suggests that the storm was very strong and caused a lot of damage. The other options are not as strong or dangerous as a violent storm, so they are not the correct answer.