Originally posted by Mharr:

The current is just a gravity field effect all the way up, right? You can't escape it by getting out of the water.

I think I see what you are asking, and yes. For example, were there a sliver of 'land', that you could jump onto at the last moment then yes. You could survive. But if it's simply an atoll, or a jutting rock. You are done, Unless you build to, or in conjunction with multiple rafts, etc. You would be doomed.
It simply has a point of no return. using the small floor boards as comparison. 10 of those or 5 full boards. 5-10 from the edge is like white water, rapids facing you. from 20 or so half floors out the pull is barely noticeable. It gradually gets you going faster than the boat can sail, that's the doom part.
I should have a clip from twitch where someone built right up to the edge on the closet bit of land, you can stand and see the edge.