I think it would be more appropriate to replace 'embarrassing' with 'operational hazard'. Those of us who have operated helicopters for any length of time, especially in demanding environments, know that sh*t happens. SAR involves putting aircraft into situations not normally experienced in most other operations.
Higher risk = higher chance of something going awry.
As the MCA, Navy and RAF have all proved over the years.
It's a bit lame to use this incident as a mud-slinging opportunity. The crew were trying to do their best on a somewhat sh*tty night.