Why should life rafts be tied together if more than one is in the water?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of maintaining proximity to the distressed or sinking vessel. By tying life rafts together, survivors can ensure that they remain within the vicinity of the ship, which increases the chances of being spotted by rescuers and receiving timely assistance. This practice can be critical in emergency situations, as it allows survivors to remain organized and maintain visibility in a potentially chaotic and dangerous environment.

While the other choices present potential scenarios that may seem plausible, they do not address the core safety priority when multiple life rafts are deployed. For instance, creating a larger area for fishing may not be relevant to survival in a rescue situation. Furthermore, while preventing the rafts from drifting apart is a factor, the primary intent is to stay close to the main vessel. Facilitating communication among passengers is also important but secondary to improving overall safety and rescue prospects. Thus, the main reason for tying the rafts together lies in enhancing the likelihood of a successful rescue by keeping the group together and visible.