If a ship sinks in rough waters, how do smaller lifeboats stay afloat?

Question

I’m watching a show that is speaking about ships sinking in storms at the Cape of Good Hope, and evacuating to lifeboats. If seas are so rough that a large ship goes down, how are lifeboats able to stay afloat? Are they able to bob in the waves easier? Or are they just a last ditch option that often capsize but are better than nothing?

In: 24

Answer 1

Lifeboats only purpose is to keep people afloat. The ship they were on had to carry people in comfort, be reasonably fast, and carry cargo.