Ejecting is very risky for the pilot. Many pilots are seriously injured in the process (1 in 3 chance of spinal injury https://www.smh.com.au/education/how-dangerous-is-it-to-ejec...). Ejection is the option of last resort; I'm guessing the pilot felt that he wasn't quite that desperate yet.
Operators of vehicles like boats or airplanes are much more likely to try and save the vehicle with all means necessary. This is probably due to a number of reasons but there is a somewhat increased attachment.
Car people love their cars yes, but boat people and pilots treat their vehicle like a child. No idea why.
