What incident causes Gulliver's ship to reach Lilliput?

Gulliver's ship reaches Lilliput primarily because they hit a rock, which causes the ship to be wrecked and subsequently lead Gulliver to the shores of this strange land. This incident is crucial as it sets off the series of events that allow him to encounter the miniature inhabitants of Lilliput, providing the foundation for his adventures and the satirical observations about human nature and society that follow.

The other choices, while they might represent plausible scenarios for a ship to end up in trouble, do not align with the specific circumstances in which Gulliver finds himself in Lilliput. The narrative emphasizes the shipwreck on the rock as a pivotal moment, showcasing how unexpected events can change one's trajectory entirely.