As close as they were, they could have back stroked it. It would have taken 5-10 minutes, even in clothing. The water was 57 degrees which is chilly but not fatal for that short of a time.
The elderly, however...
As close as they were, they could have back stroked it.
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But it was 9 PM and dark. Not sure if they could tell which way to swim.
Run a rope from the ship to the breakwater. Good swimmers could assist the elderly.