Perhaps comrade Sarcs can assist – the rules in the TSI Act related to the 'evidence chain' and the process for allowing 'independent' recovery of that CVR unit. Can't be bothered to troll back through the Act again; but it seems to me there are impediments to just going and getting the wretched thing. Just can't see anyone being tempted into an endless legal wrangle with a department which clearly does not want the box recovered.
Send the Navy, I'm sure the boys and girls not on 'transport duties' could do a bang up job and enjoy the outing. I expect the experience and training opportunity would/ could be of some value for money.
Yeah I know, back to my knitting...