I'm guessing in this sort of case they just want to get something there ASAP to get an idea of what they are dealing with by getting a 'visual' on the situation due to the no comms.
Obviously due location the P3 or C-130 is going to take a lot longer, and have less loiter time than a A330, esp if it's a 200.
Big diff to how they will handle it if she's on the water alive or no where to be seen.
Certainly a very different flight for the crew !