Yep, I've seen the Jackson a number of times myself. Maybe he was ignoring non-coastal waterways deeper in the interior or meant only those along the East Coast?

I'm with you with regards to the pilot. However, it wouldn't surprise me to learn the commander stipulated that the pilot be by his side and thus sealed his fate.

Since Moses piloted the lead boat, and I assume the commander would have been with him on that vessel, it would have been difficult to keep the pilot out of harm's way.