Pretty sure Malkai's combined equipment, prior to most of his backpack stuff falling into the ocean, is well over 40. His breastplate alone is about 30 pounds, his axe is noticeably heavy for a battleaxe at 10 pounds, and his shield is completely metallic for another 10. Also Malkai can't swim, so chances of him swimming to shore under his own powers are even slimmer.

I think what Zel is trying to imply is that we all have the great old one Rylethu to thank for pushing us ashore. Alhazred G’yeth G’yeth.