Somewhat confused by some of the comments on here that seem to be suggesting that there is no problem of descending through cloud / fog, below MSA, having been VMC "ontop". Special VFR requires you to be clear of cloud and insight of the surface. So how can you descend in a built up area IMC without radar coverage to be special VFR whilst flying at a forward speed of even 60 kts and be legal. However, if he had landmarks in sight then why not hover and descend slowly using your visual landmark reference until clear and able to be special VFR below. Then transition at low speed to your heliport or stay VMC ontop and return to your departure airport / land in a field - park whatever! If he had done that, a smack on the hand from the CAA, but not an appointment with his maker. This was a helicopter not a fixed wing aircraft.
Done the hover and descend part whilst in the military, ship in the Haar with only the TACAN aerial sticking out of the fog and the hover taxying up the wake. Being able to do the unusual was what I liked about my six years of flying rotary.