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June 23, 2008
Before Extreme Rescue in Alaska, Modern Lifeboat Tech Got U-Boat Start
Oceans are dangerous wildernesses, and plying them safely has always required the right equipment.
In July 1917, spurred by several high-profile tragedies at sea, including accidents and U-boat attacks, PM reported on a new design for davits, devices that lower lifeboats into the water on cables. A new system that lowered a lifeboat with metal crooks, “much as the arm of a moveable crane would,” allowed evacuation even if a ship was listing to the opposite side.
Recent maritime rescues like the Coast Guard's high-tech adventure to save the Alaska Ranger (check out PM's July cover story, now online in full) remind us that training and technology are still crucial to safety at sea. — Emily Masamitsu
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KEYWORDS
Oceans are dangerous wildernesses, and plying them safely has always required the right equipment.
In July 1917, spurred by several high-profile tragedies at sea, including accidents and U-boat attacks, PM reported on a new design for davits, devices that lower lifeboats into the water on cables. A new system that lowered a lifeboat with metal crooks, “much as the arm of a moveable crane would,” allowed evacuation even if a ship was listing to the opposite side.
Recent maritime rescues like the Coast Guard's high-tech adventure to save the Alaska Ranger (check out PM's July cover story, now online in full) remind us that training and technology are still crucial to safety at sea. — Emily Masamitsu
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