I would deduce from what I saw on the TV News; the reason for RAF Seaking helicopters being scrambled, was entirely due to the Astraeus Captain declaring a mayday, and if the aircraft had subsequently ditched in the Bristol Channel, they would have been used for SAR operations.. Not sure about the Kinloss link there though.. certainly the Chivenor based aircraft would have been on scene pretty quickly.
With reference to the "Air Europa 737" statement; it would appear to be merely a mix up with AEU and AEA prefixs.
However, I bet the six arrested are now very much regretting their alleged actions!
