In the beginning of The Cay why are the residents of Willemstad worried and fearful?

In the beginning of "The Cay," the residents of Willemstad are worried and fearful due to the increasing tensions of World War II and the threat of German submarine attacks in the Caribbean. The fear of being targeted by enemy forces creates a sense of vulnerability, as the island relies heavily on imported goods and is not equipped to handle such dangers. This atmosphere of anxiety is compounded by the recent sinking of nearby ships, heightening the sense of impending danger for the community.