Rescuing survivors

[Paukenschlag]

Just a few questions on the survivors of an attack in their lifeboats: Are they just an added piece of scenery (sounds terrible), or do I score bonus points if I rescue them? Can they be rescued? I know they row like mad away from me when I try to approach them. Maybe they have some secret plans...

Were many rescued from attacks on single merchants? I wonder if it would have been regarded as doing the "right thing" (regardless of international law) after Pearl Harbour.