Here's my thought:
There is a difference between RESCUE and EMS, I think. Rescue operations sometimes go that extra mile because they are in the Rescue business. With EMS however, I always remember basic math (which I have referred to in previous posts): 4 > 1 in all cases. Never risk 4 lives to save 1 in an EMS operation.
I understand that Coast Guard, and other SAR/Rescue services don't always subscribe to this philosophy. Best decisions are made when the aircrew use only aviation criteria to GO/ NO GO and to STAY/TURN AROUND.
IF they had only 5 minutes of fuel, then they had only 5 minutes of fuel. End of story. Every Captain should be prepared to fly to destination, encounter lousy weather 2 miles back and turn around to return to base.
4 > 1 in all cases.
Cheers
PS Is there anyone out there in PPrune land who can get in contact with the pilots who were on this mission to get their thoughts?