WITH so many articles written on the huge tragedy that was Titanic, I was only made aware recently that the full complement of lifeboats were built, although left behind in the builder's basin, on the orders of White Star no doubt.

Prior to the sinking of this infamous liner, it was reported some boats were lowered away only half full, and still to this day no blame was levelled at White Star.

The Daily Echo (April 12) carried a picture of the world's largest cruise liner Liberty of the Seas, which on counting her lifeboats on the port side, number 14 (with a smaller possibly motor boat). Should the starboard side carry a similar number the total should be 28 lifeboats plus two motor boats.

Considering her ability to carry close to 5,000 passengers and crew, should an emergency be called to abandon ship, this equates to over 170 people per 28 lifeboats provided all boats can be lowered, as for example, should the hull be damaged causing a list, this could only allow one side to be used! God help them.

HUGH CLEVERLY, ex-engineering officer, Union Castle Line, Fair Oak.

A spokesman for Royal Carribbean International replies: By law we must carry lifeboats for 125 per cent of our capacity (guests and crew).

Liberty of the Seas has 30 lifeboats onboard with a maximum capacity of 150 guests. The rest are life-rafts located evenly throughout the ship.

We must have 50 per cent of our lifeboats/liferafts on either side of the ship (of this 50 per cent at least 37 per cent must be lifeboats). The remaining 25 per cent can be located anywhere on the ship as long as they are accessible.