Where was this?
Where was the vessels radio equipment?
It sounds like one of those exotic locals which adds lots of risk.
My friend went surfing in a remote part of Fiji about 15 years ago and almost got killed when the guide boat wrecked in the surf off of a coral reef. Many almost drowned. The further one goes from the modern world the more you need to rely on yourself especially if you are used to having your "guides" take care of you.
Bill