The crew was given a misleading impression of the weather forecast and conditions, having been given some incorrect information, and some correct information having not been given.
At the time the captain gave the answer "We don't have one", they weren't a thousand miles out. They were in a trap set by numerous (and obvious) systemic failures.
That's why the people handsomely rewarded for the quick 'hose down' of anything pointing to anyone other than the pilot have no interest in the retrieval of the CVR.
But people handsomely rewarded in those kinds of circumstances eventually pay dearly.
And Iron: PPLs also know what "aviate, navigate, communicate" means.
Enjoy your reward.