It's better for the workers who can find a different job as soon as the paychecks stop coming, instead of being strung along indefinitely.

It's not too hard to get a small boat to rescue them and be shepherded to the airport. The Saudis aren't doing it because they are owed port fees.

Negligent boat owners should lose their property just like negligent land (real property) owners do.

The only way that would be better would be from the port authority's perspective. I'm sure the guys stuck on a ship 100 miles off any shore would not find it too pleasant.