Outdoors

Quick-launch lifeboat pulls off a perfect front flip

When it’s time to abandon ship, there’s not much time to launch the lifeboats. But we’ve come a long way from the days of the wooden contraptions used on the Titanic.

Modern lifeboats are a far cry from the classic image of the dinghy adrift at sea. These sophisticated vessels protect from the elements, provide food and long-term survival supplies, and best of all, can launch in the blink of an eye.

The boat in this video might look like it’s having some trouble, but thanks to its waterproof hull, the rough landing is perfectly fine. In fact, this video shows the boat’s interior, which is equipped with high-tech jump seats that protect occupants during a bumpy landing.

These lifeboats are quite expensive, and used primarily on oil rigs, where an explosion or rig collapse might make it too difficult to lower the boat using winches and cables.

If you’re anything like us here at Cottage Life, you’re probably hoping to see one of these babies launch from an even greater height. Lucky you, the record for tallest boat launch was captured on video.