Episodes like the one described in the original post happen almost on a daily basis in the GOM, it's unfortunate but it's true.
The reasons for these occurrences are due to the (still) individual nature of the job, as long as there are single piloted unrestricted VFR operations with WX minimums that border the marginal VFR these episodes are going to continue.
BTDT, I must add.
I am going out on a limb here and state that this was was probably a contract for a second tier "production management" customer with possibly contract passengers on board.
I have to agree with Epiphany on this, it's very unlikely something like this would have happened had the operation been conducted with a multi-pilot, IFR capable twin.