Thanks MaroonMan4 and TC for some reality. Ship not being in correct posn is a FAA occupational hazard; there are ways around this as many know. I re-stress the issue of aviation currency - not just the aircrew but also ship's command teams, particularly in the 'A' level stuff such as long-range silent ops.
PS For those not in the know, all RN helicopter crews are quite capable of picking up 3 bods from a ship.... not rocket science, just part of the job so let's leave the 71 heroics for when they do the business back at Culdrose.
PPS Anyone know why the Lynx had 3 POB? Staff/NFSF visit? A trapper in the 3rd seat would be fun would it not!!! Not sure if the Mk 8 can carry full fuel and 3 pob, but if not, wonder if the 3rd man's weight of AVCAT would have got the aircraft back to a deck??