There is no way a weather satellite would have the level of resolution depicted. Even a military spy satellite wouldn't be able to detect that an individual has a missing hand.
The rescue helicopter was flying to the limit of its range and fuel was therefore critical. It was also flying to a very hazardous area. However, the father of one of the kidnapped boys (Enrique) was on the flight when there was no need for him to be there (other than dramatic effect) and his weight would have been an added drain on fuel.