I just had a look at your Bio......and yes, I can see why you think as you do.....

I think though, that you are ignoring the fact that a lot of people just simply cannot afford a liferaft, and make do with other arrangements.

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Forget about my bio, I think the way I do, because I am most of the time working & responsible for others on board. I know that the sea will KILL you if not treated with respect. Also, I definitely don't want to die either & exposure will KILL.

Regarding cost, this is simply bullshit!!

How much is a life worth??

How much do you pay for your household 'FIRE/contents Insurance policy' & how many times have most of us seen a Fire Engine up our street? Probably very few times!

So why do you spend/afford several Ł100's to replace a few houshold trinkets like your TV/DVD/etc, which can easily be replaced, then question why/if the very item which will probably stop your wife claiming on your life insurance policy (liferaft), is too costly?

I think some consideration regarding your priorities is necessary!

Your life versus your house contents??

A difficult one obviously!

Regarding the Ouzo, if their liferaft had been fitted with a hydrostatic release on deck, would they have survived?

Probably.

To those who state that they have sailed 1000's of miles & never needed one, well done.

However, that thought will be of little consolation when you are in the water & hear your crew/family dying all around you, whilst awaiting the helicopter, that you decided to rely upon getting quickly to your mayday, rather than rely upon your own resources.

How many pockets are in a shroud for God's sake!