SAR is a secondary role for all RN RW aircrew
and that dear Bismark was the problem with Fastnet, Lyme Bay, Secil Japan....need I go on?
Maybe a quote from the London Gazette dated 1 Aug 1989?
A Royal Navy helicopter crew, which was also on the scene, had
previously assessed the situation to be too dangerous to place their
diver on the ship's deck. However, when the Brawdy helicopter
moved into the hover overhead the vessel it became obvious that the
ship's crew were in grave danger from the violent seas which
continued to pound the wheelhouse in which they were sheltering.
Flight Sergeant Dodsworth without delay and with complete
disregard for his own personal safety volunteered to be lowered to
the deck of the "Secil Japan ".
and that's why it wasn't a secondary role for us
ps all crew remaining (12?) were rescued - FS Dodsworth awarded the AFM