The freighter was on it's way from Cape Verde to Fall River from the news report -
I dunno, sounds like the captain took a right at the first light
"There is no royal road to this heavy surf-fishing. With all the appliances for comfort experience can suggest, there is a certain amount of hard work to be done and exposure to be bourne as a part of the price of success." From "Striped Bass," Scribner's Magazine, 1881.