Character Analysis
Based on the narrator's description, the skipper of the Sephora looks a little bit like Conan O'Brien:
The skipper of the Sephora had a thin red whisker all round his face, and the sort of complexion that does with hair of that colour. (2.1)
The only other thing we know about this dude is that he's determined to cover his bases when it comes to tracking down the murderous Leggatt. But the narrator is also quick to notice that this guy's heart isn't in his job:
A spiritless tenacity was his main characteristic, I judged. (2.1)
In other words, the guy does his job really well; but deep down, he doesn't care. In the end, he's more than happy to think that Leggatt drowned in the ocean.