As Chuck, I would not in good conscience be able to simply let them go. Especially since Chuck is not alone and he has the respect and discipline of his crew to consider.
I would probably NOT launch the raft, making sure to point out the risk of panicking and capsizing the refugees' boat. But I would call ahead to shore and report that the refugees were coming ashore there, complete with descriptions, et al.
That, or wait until the raft had almost made it to shore before launching the raft.
Of course, there are other considerations here. Even though the boat was full of refugees, there might still be some form of illegal activity going on. The refugees might still be bringing drugs, perhaps as a condition of them getting their boat. They might also face slavery once they got to the states, despite the banners on the shore.
It would not do to let simply turn away, no questions asked, but I think the risk of panic among the refugees was too great to actively pursue. |
