Look like you are ill informed I.R. Pirate& NAPOLEON. Neil was / is just a freelance pilot doing a charter. If I was home and had the phone call to do the charter I would have gone.
A NOTOC ( Notice to Captain) is just that, you don't have to inspect the load. Same with a Dang. Goods dock, it is just to advice you of the loading position in case you need to advice fire service. Do you inspect your load or investigate your client / pax every flight?
Hindsight is 20/20 buddy.
Welcome home Neil and crew, although we never met, Ken was my F.E. on couple of flight's back in SAFAIR, a true gentleman.