What do we actually know? There are lots of rumours (which if true would make me think he was being knowingly reckless) but what is the actual story?
All we know is that there was an engine failure that dumped these two blokes in the drink and they were lucky enough to be picked up by the cops who happened to be in the area in a suitable boat.
That this bloke was prosecuted should ring warning bells to anyone unlucky enough to have an engine failure.
Plus what Obidiah says at#23
Another Number, thanks for clarifying, I respect your opinion (but don't necessarily agree with all of it)