The O’Brien was equipped with four large life rafts as well as smaller ones that were scattered around the vessel's main decks. They could be quickly released or float free on their own if the ship sank out from under them and were designed to be reversible so they could be used either side up.
Emergency provisions, including food and water, were stored within the structure and could also be accessed from either side. Wartime Liberty ship crews faced many dangers, including attacks by hostile submarines, aircraft, and even enemy surface raiders.
There was also the risk of running into mines, as well as the peacetime problems of groundings, collisions, and stormy seas. Ships would sometimes be so severely damaged that they would sink before the crew had time to launch the lifeboats, so liferafts were sometimes a crew’s only means of survival. They were also added to support the Naval Armed Guard Personnel, which the original lifeboat capacity did not account for.
Explore this Station's Gallery
As you continue toward the bow, notice No. 2 Cargo Hatch on the left. It is the opening for the largest hold on the ship.