From what I understand the boys were not cleared by their parents to go to the Bahamas or anywhere far from shore but the decisions were left to the kids. No Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) with them is a big red flag for parental oversight.
The captain cited in the article is wise to say he could not tell if they were kids when he saw them going into the storm. On the ocean you ARE your brothers’ keeper. The captain would be expected to intervene on their behalf if their judgment was in question -as it would be with youthful or inexperienced boaters. If he ID-d them as kids he is remiss in his obligations as a captain.
UNLESS you would endanger yourself by so doing.
No PLBs and apparently there wasn't any EPIRB on the boat either.
” The captain would be expected to intervene on their behalf if their judgment was in question “
He was near the inlet. Even trying to turn around might endanger his safety.
Besides, what are you going to do? Chase the boat for miles and end up in the middle of the storm?