What should not be done during an evacuation from a sinking ship?

During an evacuation from a sinking ship, returning for personal belongings is not advised and should never be done. This behavior poses significant risks not only to the individual attempting to retrieve items but also to the safety of others. In a high-stress, time-sensitive situation such as a ship sinking, the primary focus must be on getting everyone out of danger quickly.

Personal belongings can easily be replaced, whereas lives cannot. The urgency of evacuating means that time is scarce; every second counts when trying to reach safety. Returning for personal items can block exit routes, divert attention from evacuation protocols, and increase the risk of panic, making the situation even more dangerous for everyone on board.

The other choices emphasize essential actions during an evacuation: assisting fellow passengers ensures that everyone is accounted for and supported, following the crew's instructions is crucial as they are trained to manage emergencies and the situations that arise during them, and helping maintain order contributes to a more effective evacuation process, minimizing chaos and enhancing safety.