Mission Guide

I know there is a good post somewhere around here that details how you go about achieving mission objectives but I can't find it...yes I know there is a search function and I tried it

Specifically I was out on a patrol, delivered some supplies to guerrillas in the Philippines, and then was instructed to pick up some English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Filipinos from East Timor. I went to the life preserver icon, nothing happened. I sailed close to shore and stopped. Nothing happened.

Any help with how to complete this mission would be greatly appreciated. And if anyone knows where to find the topic with the mission explorations that too would be greatly appreciated.