Pinho, I HAVE been involved in rescue where we landed a SAR machine (an S-76) on a very similar vessel to this one, so I do know it is possible. In our case it was 220 miles offshore and we were keen to conserve fuel and also to effect a rapid and gentle transfer because of the severe (head) injuries involved. We saw it was possible and did so, although we were not briefed either way by SOPs.
I think the restriction on landing on hatch covers is a structural strength issue but even with our wheels, as opposed to load-spreading skids, it was no problem whatseover, despite the ship being under way.
That is the only reason I made my initial comment about wondering why the crew elected to winch. It's NOT a criticism, only a question. Again, as far as I can see no-one else has criticised the crew.
BTW, I never arrived on scene and worried too much about the weather forecast - the actual would be more relevant; we didn't often have sufficient fuel to worry that far ahead!