Originally Posted by
FairWeatherFlyer
...Returning to the accident itself, one factor that hasn't been mentioned much is the surprise/shock/panic for PAX from the MR hitting the water, looks like about 4s after the big splash.
If the helicopter does not remain upright on the water, it is very unlikely that passengers would escape from a submerged helicopter without appropriate underwater escape training. Even without cold water shock.
I have never seen a passenger harness used in a helicopter operation that was not of the quick release type. I'm absolutely staggered to learn that they were using those harnesses.