3. You've been on a cruise for four days when there's an accident that forces everyone on board to abandon ship. During the evacuation, one of the boats is damaged, leaving it with a hole that fills it with water. You figure that with 15 people in the boat, you can keep the boat afloat by having 14 people scoop the filling water out by hand for 10 minutes while the 15th person rests. After that person's 10-minute rest, he or she will get back to work while another person rests, and so on. This should keep the boat from sinking long enough for a rescue team to find you as long as it happens within five hours. You're taking your first brake when you notice your best friend in a sound lifeboat with only 14 people in it and he beckons you to swim over and join them so you won't have to keep bailing out water. If you leave the people in the sinking boat, they will only be able to stay afloat for two hours instead of five, decreasing their chance of being rescued, but securing yours. What do you do?
Answer (1)
Answer:If you stay on the original boat, you will help keep it afloat for the full 5 hours, maximizing the chances of rescue for all 15 people. However, if you leave to join your friend’s boat, you will ensure your own safety and comfort, but you will significantly reduce the chances of the remaining 14 people being rescued, as their boat will only stay afloat for 2 hours. Your decision should reflect whether you prioritize your own safety or the well-being of the others on the sinking boat.
