They were just pagan mariners who came to know the living God because of the disobedience of one of His prophets. These men learned how to pray and call on God because they observed God’s dealing with His own.
Jonah 1:13-16
Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.” So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows.
No, it wasn’t global warming. Truth is God is in charge of all storms and that is true throughout history. Jonah was to present truth to pagans, but he didn’t think he would begin with the crew of this ship.
Think about it.
Gary