The blame a few posts above points the finger at not having someone to provide a met service. Sorry, but that wasn’t what caused the accident. If the wind was indeed up to 50kts as reported, it would have been on the AWIS. Why the need to continue attempts to land in such windy conditions? What was the fuel state that pushed the crew towards this decision? Was there enough to go back to the mainland?
If the rumour I’ve heard is true, I’m amazed the ATSB and CASA are not concerned! Didn’t we learn the lessons from the Norfolk Island ditching about having a suitable alternate up our sleeve?