Firstly I hope that the Paramedic and the rescue crewman recover from their injuries and wish them well.
I have had a look at the photo of the ship does anyone know where the winch took place? Bow, Stern or bridge wing. What was the ships MLA and relative wind over the deck, if they were conducting ops on the stern did they give any consideration to superstructure turbulence also why was the Hi-Line technique not employed surly these guys were trained in this procedure.
For those who are unaware of when a Hi-Line might be used.
The HI-LINE transfer is a procedure employed when normal winching would be hazardous, aircraft operating height is determined by obstructions and the sea conditions.
Conditions under which a Hi-line might be used are as follows:
} When the winching area is confined or obstructed such that there is a risk of the wireman striking or snagging obstructions.
} The vessel is too small or the winching area located such that the pilot cannot maintain visual contact while hovering.
} Ship movement is a hazard to the helicopter at the height for a normal winch transfer.
} Normal winching areas are unusable for any reason? weather conditions or damage.
Be interesting to see what the enquire brings out