Istredd knows how to swim but he wouldn't say he's the strongest at it, his studies never brought him to an ocean, only to caves. He learned how to do it better after his near brush with death after the kidnapping, and it seems like a good thing after all, since here he is yet again injured and struggling. He probably could have slowly and painfully made his way to the raft alone, but it's a relief when a strong grip pulls him back up to air easily.

He doesn't struggle with his savior since he knows what's happening and breathes, his injured arm unable to be moved right then. He recognizes Steve from his voice rather than his grip. "Guess this is two I owe you, Steve." Istredd tries to make a very weak joke considering what an echo this is of their other traumatic incident, but he's in pain that the water is not helping as it soaks into the bullethole.

"I was shot." He has the worst luck. A stabbing in his stomach was worse though, it's a shock he survived from that whole ordeal given that, so he probably will be fine this time. Just annoyed. "Can you get us to the raft?"