How does Patrick O'Brian use imagery in H.M.S. Surprise?

Imagery:

"'There is an odour, sure,' said Stephen. 'But by paradise I mean the tameness of the fowl; and I do not believe it is they that smell.' He ducked as a tern shot past his head, banking and braking hard to land.

"The crash of the broadside, and of the bow-gun, and of the twenty shot hitting her, came in one breath-an extreme violence of noise. He saw the wheel disintegrate, Harrowby jerked backwards to the taffrail, cut in two; and forward there was a screaming."