They were both expats. If this crew had both been expats would the situation be the same?

Under the radar,

And how could anyone answer that without it happening? If you think someone will get special treatment after an accident here due to nationality, you are mistaken. I say that having observed the treatment after lesser events. Are things different now from when the 340 scrubbed its bottom, yes they are. Luckily, things have calmed significantly since then. By no means are they perfect, but they have moved in the right direction.

This crew is no doubt reliving those last 30secs over and over. Posting ****e here is not helping them or their families.

I would suggest, from my personal experience in the ME, that you are being a bit naive, which is surprising given that it appears you are there too! I don't think many would agree with your assertion that special treatment, in the event of an accident, is not accorded on the grounds of nationality. That's not to pre-suppose what will happen in this case, but the history is there!

It looks very much like you are pre-supposing. Have you any recent cases that support this? I have seen many recent ones that don't.

Well, certainly in this case, I hope you're right!