Just one addition to what others have added.
I suppose one could argue that, having taken the controls, the best course of action might have been to simply fly straight and level (having pointed yourself towards dry land, given the location) until you've sorted yourself out. Then you could call for help on the radio, and they could give you vectors to a suitable landing facility and, if needed, instruction on how to deploy the gear etc.
HOWEVER, and I haven't seen anyone point this out in the discussion so far, the other factor in this case was that there was also an incapacitated, possibly quite sick pilot. I would think that one would consider getting him on the ground and to help to be a matter of some urgency, thus arguing against the "take your time and do everything perfectly" approach.
So my hat's off to the lady. May I do half as well, should I ever be in a similar situation (currently 280 hrs, PPL/VFR).