Historical clue formulations

• Quit early, so to speak — 2023-11-11
• Left unexpectedly, in slang — 2020-07-07
• Tried to save a sinking boat — 2004-06-28
• Dealt with a leak, maybe — 1999-06-26
• Saved, with "out" — 1995-08-13
• Tried to save a sinking ship? — 1993-12-03