If the Radar altitude track is accurate they were already below minimums for the VOR approach to 09. They were also 100 feet low on glide path if performing the approach using IAN (Integrated Approach Navigation) . At 1 mile from the runway that puts them at 200 feet AMSL.
Below minimums, already low and they lose sight of the runway in reported heavy rain; An immediate Go Around is required. Not the reported transfer of controls from the F.O. to the Captain. At 200 feet and descending they have 15 seconds before they hit the water.
Last edited by JPJP; 15th Apr 2013 at 16:50.