28. Confusion
The cubs were still exhausted and shivering in a corner of the boat, but how long would it take for them to regain their energy and potentially cause problems? They were confused and in an unfamiliar setting – in a flurry of panic, they could still cause some damage.
There was also a good chance this was their first interaction with humans. And, on top of everything, they missed their mother, who would have protected them from the men.