Mr Sheen - one could argue that ANYONE rescued from an ocean didn't necessarily have to be there. People chose to travel in yachts around the world knowing the dangers, and our own industry ferries and flies aircraft across oceans all the time, each and every one of them COULD need to be rescued.
In the last few years Australians like Ray Clamback have been rescued and the bill footed by the USA each time, he 'chose' to be there but do we critise the aircraft ferry industry?
AMSA exists for a reason - ANY human in danger deserves to be rescued, and nearly every country with an ocean has a commitment to save people in their SAR region. AMSA spends millions on 'training' exercises etc year round - surely we don't get picky about assisting in picking up a REAL life human in danger.
One day we might have an ETOPS airliner out there bobbing in the ocean do we leave them to rot as well because it will cost some $$ ?