Omanair said
"The big E call may solve your (ATC) problems, but is only the beginning of ours. It will lead to an investigation involving company and the authorities, and may indeed ground the crew involved.
A situation we try to avoid at all cost."
NEVER be afraid to declare an emergency, for fuel or anything else because of the paperwork or an investigation. If that is in the back of your mind you have no business being up there in the first place. THAT's the aircraft I don't want my family on! Declare and sort it out on the ground!