Very Close Call -
 

Couldn't see this posted,

Sacramento Metro Fire Avoids Helicopter Accident In San Francisco Training

Video: Sacramento Metro Fire Avoids Helicopter Accident In SF Training « CBS Sacramento

I wonder if the rocket scientists from EASA have seen this. Perhaps the overload clutch failed to do it's job in this case. EASA would likely have hoist operators hang a 1000 kg from the hoist daily to test the clutch. Bottom line is hoist operations are inherently dangerous.

Hmmm, doesn't quite look the full story here - if you have 2 on the wire, why would the hook snag and why would the aircraft and boat suddenly move away from each other in that condition? Looks more like the aircraft was repositioned without the pilot knowing he had 2 on the wire in the boat.

Proves why you need a cable cut switch in the cockpit as well!

Crab is right. The boat's sudden veering while snagged was the cause, and the aircrew's late cable cut was secondary. They were very lucky. A thorough training session with the boat crew, and SOP for the CP to be cut-ready throughout the operation are both in order. Frankly, lowering to a high speed boat is questionable, IMHO. Too many possibilities, most bad, and little operational need.