Am presently re-reading the book "Moral Tribes" by Joshua Greene. The main focus is 'utilitarianism. It's a long book and covers, in detail, the trolley problem.' [merriam-webster.com] However, one major, central point, to me, is the absence of any linkage to how saving one group may lead to other problems down the line. Like, feeding starving people might lead them to having more kids who also end up starving. This 2nd read has opened my eyes to things I missed on the first read. I also remember the 'prime directive' in the Star Trek Next Generation. A directive that was consistently ignored.

First in time first in line. The ship with the workers did an SOS call first. No matter what one decides there will be "what ifs".

To me it's pure logic. In general, I go with the group that has a longer future and more chance to be productive.

Middle age workers . That comes w kids , wives , husbands , dogs and cats and rats . Responsibilities and mouths to feed .
Nothing wrong with been young / rich / on vacation . Life will stop for them b4 it even starts . I have to go for the ones that life is already happening .

Part of triage

Excellent!!

I'd save the workership because they asked for help first. That criteria frees me from all the other considerations which are all speculative anyway.

I'd save the students and hope a few really good looking ones would reward me over and over again.

I say save the most lives which would be the larger ship with the middle age workers.