'Our' (i.e. RAF SAR) version of the net was the Sproule net. During my (longish) time in role, we never used it for live survivors - only body recovery. It was extremely awkward to carry and rig and pickups were hazardous to the survivor!! The sea anchor attached to stabilize it in the water was ineffective and, other than in calm surface conditions, the net frame would start to 'walk' with the centre of the front bar at survivor head height - not recommended and (as we were told) caused injury to a WRNS volunteer during trials. As has been said, having a sentient being (more or less!) on the wire is very much preferable
