Eugene Reid former RAA President taught the pilot to fly. Eugene used to fly a Thruster across the strait moderately regularly and he advised them on the use of lilos in the wings. They bought the lilos but didn't get to fitting them. One might wonder if they had fitted the lilos then the aircraft may have floated and allowed them to get to the life raft. Lots of what-ifs.
The flying in ground effect was an innovative idea that kindof bought them some time.