The Oiler Timeline and Summary

The oiler mans one of the oars as he and the correspondent row together.
When the cook and the correspondent start arguing about something unimportant, the oiler tells them to shut up.
The oiler rows them toward shore for their attempted escape, then, "by a series of quick miracles," rows them back (4.15).
The oiler takes turns at the oars through the night, switching off with the correspondent.
When they finally attempt to reach the shore, it's the oiler who rows them in.
The men are thrown from the boat, and the oiler immediately starts swimming strongly toward shore.
He is found facedown in the shallow water, drowned.
The people who gather on the beach carry his body onto land.