DISASTERS. AT SEA_ [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sut,—So much ignorant nonsense has been said and written, both about the loss of the Vestris ' and the disaster to the Rye life-boat, that it is refreshing to read so impartial and well-informed an article as yours. Two minor errors, however, have crept into it, which it may be worth while to correct. Self-righting boats are not heavier than others, but narrower in the beam (a necessary adjunct of the self-righting principle), and this is the main reason why so many life-boat crews reject them. I have often heard them say that they would rather have a boat which was less likely to capsize than one which would right herself if she did capsize. Furthermore the state- ment that " motor boats are not self-righting " is incorrect ; many • of the self-righting boats on the coast are fitted with motors.—I am, Sir, &e., Zaleski, Lowestoft.
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