“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31060, 16 May 1966, Page 12

“The Press” In 1866

May 16 , , , . LIFE RAFTS.—The melancholy loss of life which attended the foundering of the steamer London, in the Bay of Biscay, and which has resulted from the many shipwrecks on our coasts during the late storms, has produced numerous suggestions for the improvement of existing means of saving life at sea. Among the many plans which have been put forward there is not one which commends itself so strongly to our minds as likely to achieve the desired result as a life raft, designed by Captain Hurst, who has been many years engaged in the mercantile marine, and who consequently brings to bear upon any proposal of the kind he may submit the benefits of long and practical experience The construction of the raft being broad and flat, would appear to possess

great advantages in a heavy sea; Its chances of upsetting are reduced to a minimum. It cannot be swamped with any amount of seas, as like the decks of the Monitor turret ships of America, there are no gunwales, and there are no bulkheads or cabins to fill. When on the sea it can be readily handled and steered either on a wind or before it. A raft of thirty feet in length would be sufficiently large to carry seventy people, with a good supply of stores. Another advantage which the raft possesses is its portability and facility of stowage on board, and it may even, if necessary, be hung flat against the sides of a ship, from which position it can be readily lowered. The raft has been submitted to the principal members of Lloyd’s and other seamen, and no adverse opinion has been pronounced respecting its merits.—“ Observer.”