My question is, if this was indeed a 'Rescue Mission' why was the properly equipped (and crewed) local Rescue Helicopter Service not called in to effect the extraction? Surely a night operation over water would beg some specialist equipment and skills. That's not to say the Pilot wasn't very skilled, but it seems that if 'Rescue' was the aim of their mission (as reported by the media), then NVG, FLIR, Winch and Marine Skills might have been in order despite the perceived expense.
As it turns out the real cost was (sadly) far more than ever anticipated, but isn't that why we have highly specialized 'Rescue' aircraft in this country?
There's absolutely no doubt that Fire Fighting is a unique Pilot skill... but so is Rescue, and every bit as dangerous!