Courfeyrac felt sorry for her and also sad to see her miserable attempt. Even though she was somewhat successful, he could easily see that there would be no saving poor Eponine.

"We must try to swim to an exit. We must go up." He pointed above his head. "We will both drown if we do not get out of here."

He was sure that he would drown on his own. It would do him no good to try to save Eponine along the way. "Can you try to paddle? Use your arms to steer yourself along until we find a way out. Come, girl. Come!"