Waterdogs do not aggro by site. Sound only.

Many players have been through that exact path on aetheryte hunts.

Idk if a GM can help you. They're not allowed to move players except if your stuck in the games geometry nor can they interfere with the mobs pathing in order to allow players to pass those mobs.

I know you're upset but many players have been in your shoes but for a different reason: obtaining aetherytes.

Maybe SE can reset your quest data, but idk because i think the data is mainly client side. Could be wrong though.