Why do you think the sailor did not take David to the captain?

David is eventually discovered by an Italian sailor, who is astonished by David's calmness and by the fact that he doesn't try to run away when he is caught. As the boat approaches its Italian harbor, the sailor gives David a life preserver and helps him overboard. I think the sailor, like many people, feels an empathy for David. He likes David and wants David to survive.