I would wager something in the water wants bodies - it appears to care little if those bodies are dead or alive given the ease with which it could drown the living. It is unclear what the something is or how it ties into these funeral rites.

( But why is it calling to the living here? It appears these boats must travel to and from their destination over a period of three months in locked boxes which prevent them from falling into the water too soon.

They are going somewhere specific, but the question is where. Wrath turns to look at her - the gold of his eyes sharp within the black. )

Were you aware of what was happening as you stepped into the water?