Tides of War

There are some things I just don't understand in the game play. Buttons I just don't want to press because I don't know what the heck they do. One is in the big tactical map, a button that says mayday next to it.

Okay, so during one of the missions I was getting blow to bits and decided to press the mayday button. Now what? It said in the little message box that help was on the way. All of my allies in the mission were doing their own thing and not even caring what would happen to me. A minute or two later I sunk with all hands. Can someone give light to my button predicament?

enigma!:

Your allies doesnt necessairly rush to aid you, if they got their hand full or if youre not in any real danger then wont come either.

I think that is more for MP

I assume it tells your factions AI to protect you. If they are already engaged they will help themselves first.