An FBW issue, or basic IAS awareness during a critical tactical manoeuvre at low level? I'm not sure if any pilot would restrict reaction purely due to VRS concerns, but lack of reaction to IAS loss early enough could easily result in an upset state and rapid loss of altitide.
Not quite the same scenario, but the Cormorant Alpha accident is always a chilling reminder how offshore visual flying can easily result in a tragic outcome.
https://assets.publishing.service.go...993_G-TIGH.pdf