I didn't say it wouldn't work; I said that I found it very unlikely. And yes, I've seen gannets diving.

But as for relieving the villagers of responsibility -- put him in a leaky boat out at sea with a couple crackers and a cup of water, out where people rarely go fishing. Or maroon him -- a practice of the Caribbean and a most unpleasant thing to do to another. Or...never mind. There are other ways.