Home > Transportation > Ships and Boats
An efficient ships lifeboat by G. H. Davis
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
An efficient ships lifeboat by G. H. Davis
In quest of an efficient ships lifeboat: a type which might have helped the Volturno (where one lifeboat overturned, two smashed against the side of the burning vessel, and others drifted away and were lost). A new flat-bottomed boat with cork-protected sides. Date: 1913
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14134610
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Annotated Bottom Bottomed Cork Davis Diagram Efficient Flat Lifeboat Lifeboats Protected Rescue Safe Safety Sides Sphere Volturno
EDITORS COMMENTS
An Efficient Ship's Lifeboat: A New Design that Could Have Changed the Outcome of the Volturno Tragedy (1913) This image, taken from the pages of a 1913 marine engineering journal, showcases a design for an efficient and innovative lifeboat by G. H. Davis. The title "In quest of an efficient ship's lifeboat: a type which might have helped the Volturno" underscores the significance of this design, which was proposed in response to the tragic sinking of the Italian passenger liner SS Volturno. The Volturno disaster, which occurred on January 28, 1912, resulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives. One lifeboat overturned, two smashed against the side of the burning vessel, and others drifted away and were lost. This tragic event highlighted the urgent need for a more efficient and reliable lifeboat design. Davis' design features a flat-bottomed boat with cork-protected sides. The flat bottom ensures stability in rough seas, while the cork-protected sides provide buoyancy and insulation from the cold water. The diagram annotated in the image provides a detailed explanation of the boat's features, including its spherical transport frame, which facilitates easy loading and unloading onto the ship. This new lifeboat design was a significant improvement over the traditional round-bottomed boats commonly used at the time. Its innovative features, such as the flat bottom and cork-protected sides, made it a safer and more effective means of rescue at sea. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of engineering innovation in ensuring safety and reducing the loss of life during maritime disasters.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.