Lifeboats

Lifeboats are small, sturdy boats carried on a ship or aircraft for use in an emergency, such as when the vessel is sinking or there's a forced landing at sea. Their primary function is to provide temporary shelter and transport for survivors, allowing them to escape a dangerous situation and await rescue. They are equipped with essential survival supplies, including food, water, medical kits, and signaling devices. Historically, lifeboats played a crucial role in maritime disasters, offering a chance of survival when a vessel foundered.

Lifeboats meaning with examples

• As the cruise ship began to list dramatically, panicked passengers scrambled towards the lifeboats, eager to escape the impending disaster. Crew members worked quickly to launch the boats, guiding passengers aboard and ensuring everyone was wearing a life vest. The survivors huddled together, praying for rescue as the vessel disappeared beneath the waves.
• The captain ordered the deployment of the lifeboats after a rogue wave struck the oil rig, causing significant structural damage. The workers, following established evacuation procedures, boarded the boats, trusting in their resilience to withstand the tumultuous ocean. They relied on the emergency supplies to keep them alive until help arrived, keeping morale strong.
• During the plane's emergency landing at sea, inflatable lifeboats automatically deployed, providing flotation and shelter for the passengers and crew. The survivors gathered in the boats, utilizing the provided communication devices to signal their location to the rescue teams. The lifeboats acted as a haven until they were safely retrieved.
• After a fire broke out on the freighter, the crew quickly launched the lifeboats, trying to evade the flames and smoke. Some of the survivors were injured, relying on medical supplies stored in the lifeboats. Eventually, they were all rescued from the boats after being stranded for several hours.