Just another empty shell of a man.
man likely was wearing heavy oilskins, boots, gloves, etc.
the shock of hitting cold water, and being pulled under rapidly, probably would have negated attempts to get to a belt-loop mounted sheath and knife.
i grew up on the islands off coastal Maine Not unusual to find a lobster boat circling, sans fisherman, in any given year
..dangerous work...safer to be a cop..