One can only assume then their way of thinking was - high and difficult lowering on a windy bridge - let's use the short strop ?
Sad consequences but a lesson learnt as TC says.
Must admit - high / windy sling work on long strops was never my favourite and would no tbe missed.
Also lost a very good friend in Cape Town a few years ago while dropping an aircon unit on a hotel.
If I remember correct it was either the smallest wind sheer that took them into a Stannic sign or crew miss communication.
Sad results anyway.