No more friendly pirate checks?

Hello! I got back into SoT recently with my fiancé since we have 2 Xbox’s. I haven’t played since hunters call introduction on PC. (Am PL and lot of pvp exp there)

My question, did safer seas just get rid of all of the friendly players? I’m trying to introduce her to some tall tales and she’s loving it, but tell me why the ship was sunk 7 times in 5 quests, even with no loot/flags etc? It’s when the two of us are on islands or under water. You hear the occasional “stupid idiots” etc..

We used to have a lot more friendly check ins and wholesome encounters. It was part of the appeal I had that made her excited about the game.

Are high seas just sweats now? Did we just have a bad couple of sessions?

Yes she’s learning how to fight back when we’re on the ship, and we’re yet to sink once when the helm is manned, but holy hell! I don’t want to be forced to safer seas just to teach her quests.