There were specific rescue ships on which the survivors would be placed, or they could even be picked and kept on escorts - as Donald Macintyre did on occasion. I seem to recall damaged ships that could still make some speed being dispatched to closer ports with an escort. I guess this would depend on the size of the escort force though. I think it was up to the escort commander really. It was dangerous to have a ship lying stationary while U-boats might be about, but some did it anyway. So I don't think it's usual for ships and their crews to be abandoned to their fate.
Some U-boat commanders considered the sinking of rescue vessels as against the rules of the sea, and didn't shoot even when they could have. Others didn't give a damn.
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