This is all pure speculation. The only data we actually have is that they did not seem to look at the ship or take an interest in it. The idea that the natives were on the edge of survival is not supported by anthropologists and accounts we have. It seems likely from what is know of other natives they had excellent eyesight. If you saw a large foreign object 1/4 mile offshore or anywhere (in the sky?) would you look it? Something was definitely going on there to prevent that.
Re: “Myth of the Invisible Ships”
This is all pure speculation. The only data we actually have is that they did not seem to look at the ship or take an interest in it. The idea that the natives were on the edge of survival is not supported by anthropologists and accounts we have. It seems likely from what is know of other natives they had excellent eyesight. If you saw a large foreign object 1/4 mile offshore or anywhere (in the sky?) would you look it? Something was definitely going on there to prevent that.