What did Old Rose mean when she talked about an "absolution"?

[Dan Kappes]

This is Old Rose's quote:

Afterward, the 700 people in the boats had nothing to do but wait. Wait to die, wait to live. Wait for an absolution that would never come.

Did she mean that the 700 survivors would feel guilty and would never be forgiven for neglecting to rescue more people from the sea?

 

[Kyle Naber]

I think she meant that there would be no satisfying closure or and end to what they experienced that night. It would stay with them for the rest of their lives.

 

[Rennette Marston]

Survivor's guilt, I guess? Riveting words....

 

[Steven Christian]

I'm guessing you would be right about that. Survivors guilt probably hit some of them pretty hard. Although in those days most probably kept it to themselves.

 

[Rennette Marston]

Especially when Rose had to let go of Jack after she promised him that she'll never let go of his advice: live a long, happy life and raise a family. "I'll never let go. I promise..."