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Reference.org
Breeches buoy
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<p>A breeches buoy is a rope-based <a href="/facts/Rescue/TD6RX6aB">rescue</a> device used to extract people from wrecked vessels, or to transfer people from one place to another in situations of danger. The device resembles a round emergency <a href="/facts/Personal_flotation_device/XQYxAemL">personal flotation device</a> with a leg harness attached. It is similar to a <a href="/facts/Zip_line/DG3GVQo3">zip line</a>. The breeches buoy may be deployed from shore to ship, ship to ship, or ship to shore using a <a href="/facts/Manby_mortar/cqhodl5S">Manby mortar</a>, <a href="/facts/Rocket/b6j4keIl">rocket</a>, kite system, or a <a href="/facts/Lyle_gun/P1Gusvz6">Lyle gun</a>, and allows evacuation of one person at a time. A line is attached to the ship, and the person being rescued is pulled to shore in the breeches buoy. </p>