A quick zoom in, in paint shop pro seems to show the lower end has a grappling hook and the upper end is being held by someone and is
not attached to the 44.
I guess they know why they were there and if they were saving someone then I believe what they did is a commendable improvisation. Risky yes, but letting go of the rope is an option unlike in the Jetranger video were they tied it on.
[Edited to Add]
The boat had an engine failure and drifted over a dam and two guys were killed.
The story is here
Two presumed dead as boat slips over dam