What is the reaction of the Blefuscudian fleet when they see Gulliver walking out of the channel?

The Blefuscudian fleet's reaction when they see Gulliver walking out of the channel is significant because it highlights the blend of curiosity and fear that characterizes their interaction with him. When Gulliver emerges, the sight of a giant human is overwhelming for the Blefuscudians. Their instinctive response is to swim to shore rather than take aggressive action or confront him directly.

This choice illustrates the themes of fear of the unknown and the sense of vulnerability that smaller beings feel when faced with a giant. The restraint exhibited by the Blefuscudian fleet in not attacking shows that even though they may initially seem aggressive or hostile, their primary instinct in the face of something so unfamiliar leads them to retreat. This reaction sets the stage for the subsequent developments in Gulliver's interactions with the Blefuscudians.