The only type of colonising going on in my bath are mildew and bacteria. Is this what the soap will do or should I just maintain my chemical warfare?

This, if the factory can do it then a skilled craftsman can as well. Talk to some local fab shops, I’m sure you can find someone skilled in AL welding that can fix you up

Sounds like she kept her head and did well to keep herself safe. Glad to hear she made it out. Hopefully this experience doesn’t keep her from continuing hiking