Tourist
Things might have been very different had it been:-
1. Night
2. Rough Sea
3. In the middle of winter
4. Further west - ie. beyond the reach of even the French
5. Without other vessels in close proximity
Consideration also needs to be given to the potential SAR needs of the poor brave chaps (and chapesses!) in the SK should they have to ditch a long way from shore.
It is one thing for the govt to try and save money where there is duplication of capability, but when the one and only long range, specialised (and multi purpose) MPA asset is binned it is not so sensible a move.....
MB