What does a "sea anchor" do in a survival situation?

In a survival situation, a sea anchor plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety and stability of a liferaft. Specifically, it is designed to reduce drift and stabilize the liferaft in rough seas. By deploying a sea anchor, the raft can maintain a more consistent position in the water, which is vital for protecting occupants from the elements and minimizing the chances of capsizing or moving away from the desired location.

The sea anchor creates drag in the water, allowing the liferaft to face into the waves, which is significant for keeping the raft steady and upright. This stability aids in conserving energy for those aboard and provides a more secure environment until rescue arrives. Additionally, the reduced drift assists rescuers in locating the liferaft during search and rescue operations, as it would remain closer to a fixed point rather than drifting endlessly with the current.

Options related to increasing movement, fishing, or enhancing buoyancy do not align with the primary purpose of a sea anchor, which is fundamentally about stabilization and control in survival scenarios at sea.