The Australian government has made it quite clear it will not be asking for payment because that is not how the system works. As I’ve said.
This is a duty under the traditions of the sea and the laws of the sea. It is not appropriate to expect payment.
I have said in other threads that I believe it would be appropriate for the Sunderlands to make a donation to either the Australian Volunteer Coastguard, or the Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer, or some similar organisation. I would also certainly not object to the idea of them offering to reimburse some or all of the costs of the French fishing vessel. But it must not be expected. It must be their choice.
Sailors need to go to the aid of other sailors, whether expense is incurred or not. If that ever breaks down, it will cost life after life after life.
I take it such is paid for with Tax Money.
If so and we would get one of these record breaker attempts every month with the same results (lost at sea in those same waters) would they need more tax money to fund the search and rescue costs?
Would the Aussies be glad to cough up more tax money so these folks could keep rolling the dice on getting a reality show?
I'm betting not.