I remember hearing about that incident; if it's the same one.
We heard of an old* Master Aircrew having a heart attack in the North Sea in winter.
The legend suggested that the attending Air Sea Rescue launch crew misunderstood appeals for help as characteristic aircrew joking around.
Our sea survival dress went from overalls to immersion suit shortly afterwards.
* I guess 42 was 'old' cf late teens/early twenties.