In the book the Cay why wasn't Phillip frightened at the beginning of the book?

At the beginning of "The Cay," Phillip, the main character, wasn't frightened because he was surrounded by familiar settings and people on the island of Curacao. He was residing in a safe environment with his family, making him feel secure and at ease. It was only after the shipwreck and losing his sight that he began to experience fear and uncertainty.