Mary M
it is possible that glassy water near that sea wall in the lee of the prevailing wind could have made it more difficult to assess how low they were getting.
You are mistaken. Your statement is delusional.
Also, Pipeliner in comment number 1483 quotes studies that show 3 to 5% of approaches made by transport aircraft are unstable, and of these, only 5% actually go around!
Even if 5% of approaches are unstable, flying at Vref minus 31kts might happen maybe one in 10 million approaches, nearly always ending in a smoking hole.
And another thought. Listening to ATC in the US both as pax and as IR pilot,I feel that one who is not a native speaker would have to be bold indeed to say those useful words "Say again slowly!" and if asked to fly too fast for comfort, "Unable!"
Flying a transport category aircraft is not for the meek.