I read it a few years ago. From what I recall, Richard and possibly his wife wanted to go on a fishing expedition. The boat owner said it was too dangerous.

Richard demanded that they go and put pressure on the boat guy. They went. There was a storm. Richard and his wife decided to swim to safety.

Everyone else died.

Now that I think about it, in the book, Richard also forces other people to do things they don't want, and mentions breaking someone else emotionally.