The sad sinking of the General Belgrano in the Falklands War is a classic primer. <snip> Further casualties were in lifeboats with only a few occupants. The inability to huddle and utilise body heat killed them with hypothermia.
A very good reason to grab warm clothing and blankets before boarding your life raft. The sinking of the General Belgrano is one of the reasons that prompted us to put 12 thermal protective aids (TPAs) in US Navy life rafts (25-person) vice the two required by USCG/SOLAS regulations.
Hypothermia is one of the greatest hazards to life raft survivors. Even in relatively warm waters
Regards,
Tom
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