Answer: scrabbling

AnswerCrossword Clue
SCRABBLINGDesperately trying to get a handhold
scrabblingMake great efforts to get somewhere or achieve something
scrabblingScramble or crawl quickly
scrabblingScratch or grope around with one's fingers to find, collect, or hold on to something
scrabblingSCRABBLE, to scramble (to move hurriedly, also SCAMBLE)
scrabbling(of an animal) Scratch at something with its claws