Thread: An article with the word "sea"

The refugees were at sea for forty days before reaching land. © Cambridge
Here, "sea" = in a boat on the sea a long way from land

But if I want to continue, what should I say making reference to sea? I mean:
The refugees were at sea for forty days before reaching land. During that sea we saw many interesting things.
Can I put the instead of that there?

You can't saying "During that sea," but you can say, "While at sea, we saw many interesting things." I can't think of a good way to make direct reference to that specific time at sea, if that's exactly what you need. You'd have to say, "During that journey(trip, time) at sea...which just sounds awkward. But, "While at sea" sounds the best to me.

I was going to say "during that time at sea" but your "while at sea" is at least twice as good!

I see. Thanks a lot, kybarry, chaika.