The decision on who to keep was based on whether or not the skills they offered were valuable or not. If the people did not have skills that would help save others they were the ones who went over board. I do not believe that these values are because of the American culture. If this would have taken place on a ship from another country they would have done the same thing. The person left in charge is the person who will determine the values of the people. They will know best on what they need to keep the vessel a float.