Not to be harsh but has anyone really tried to deploy these rafts in less than ideal conditions and to get, keep, them together for mutual support? A major problem with the General Belgrano case was the rafts were scattered by wind and waves as soon as they were inflated because they have no means of propulsion or attitude control. In a storm situation during a yacht race these units were not successful. Most were blown away, destroyed or capsized before they could be boarded. The crews that fared the best didn't try to use their rafts.
In the case of the General Belgrano, those who boarded the rafts survived. The sea anchor (drogue) does give the raft attitude control to keep its bow into the wind. The rafts are also packed with a spare sea anchor to provide additional drag if desired. There are requirements for USCG/SOLAS raft designs that they are able to be maneuvered to some degree with the paddles provided. Plus there are designated marshalling boats on every ship help draw the rafts together. The life rafts we're using are a good bit bigger and better equipped than most yachting rafts.
You've seen some British ships with the totally enclosed lifeboats (TEL). Could you imagine trying to equip an aircraft carrier with TEL's for over 5000 people? I doubt the Royal Navy is providing even 100% TEL coverage for their large surface combatants. Even cruise ships don't provide that level of coverage with lifeboats. They always make up the difference with inflatables. The company that provides the U.S. Navy with inflatable life rafts, also provides rafts to the RN, as it's a British owned company.
I think describing the life rafts as "glorified kiddie floats" grossly understates their value as a life-saving tool. Granted, they are not a perfect solution, but they do seem to work for most of the cruise lines which have on occasion been obliged to use them.
Cheers,
Tom
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