Operated to NLK out of LHI for many years in turbo props. two occasions spring to mind when heading out there. Both times, divert times to noumea and LHI were within minutes of each other. Ended up holding off the island past the noumea time and comfortably headed back to LHI. We only got to NLK on these occasions because loads were light and we could carry the fuel. Otherwise PNR return. Some times we wouldn't even bother leaving LHI.
Approaches are useless out there as the problem is fog and you could quite reasonably sit in a hold just off the island on a beautiful blue sky day staring at a mound of white fluffy stuff completely covering it. waiting for a hole or your divert time.
Often our PNR would be just short of the island and we could asses the conditions visually usually prior to top of drop, aswell as having the friendly ATO guy talking to us on the way in.
Bare in mind, alternate fuel was not always required, only in the past 10 years or so.
Would often hear the AN F28s and ANZ 737s turning back at there PNRs.
The weather at NLK can change very quickly and anyone with any experience out there can see it coming well in advance from trends on the actual reports.
I think the question of why this aircraft ended up in the water is a valid one.
The other question? Will this affect PAs current and near future Aero Med contracts?