Assuming this story is true..., it's a rumour network after all
For me it is too easy to blame the PIC.
To go airborne is such adverse weather in a helicopter without icing clearance could be seen as shear suïcide.
One would like to think that even offshore pilots are reasonably sane
and will not deliberately make such a foolish decision. Besides what did his co-pilot say? Or the Ops officer?
Nah, this sounds more like manage by fear style management. Staff is trying to get the job done, whatever it takes..... As they feel to have no back-up from management to make safe and professional aviation decisions.
Sad, because at the end of the day you are only transporting people to work...
