…….Finally, a lack of planning and preparedness may have contributed to the Fitzgerald's demise. The ship's lifesaving and distress signaling methods were seemingly inadequate to allow for any hope of rescuing the crew. They had been supplied with an adequate number of life rafts, boats, and vests, and had conducted frequent fire and lifeboat drills Even during drills when the ship was docked and in good weather, however, it was impossible to launch a lifeboat in less than 10 minutes. Also, a device known as an emergency position indicating radio beacon