A friend had a similar experience with a cruise ship.

The suitcase was in the X-Ray scanner and they turned it off and the ship left - they figure the staff thought they were done. They told the purser and showed that their bag was still on the dock (and roughly where in the building). - but the cruise ship had left the harbour.

The Purser immediately called the shore and they water taxied the bag out to the ship. Under an hour and their bag was in their state room.

I can't remember exactly what perks they got - but the cruise line gave them the best drink package and a bunch of swag as an apology.

Without the Air Tags - they wouldn't have got the bag until they returned.