In what scenario is a life raft most essential?

A life raft is most essential after ditching in water due to the immediate need for survival in a potentially hazardous situation. Ditching refers to the emergency landing of an aircraft on water, which can occur in case of critical failures or emergencies. In such scenarios, the aircraft may not remain afloat for long, and passengers and crew need a reliable means to stay safe and buoyant on water.

Life rafts are specifically designed to provide protection, shelter, and a means of flotation for individuals who find themselves stranded in water, ensuring their survival until help arrives. The other scenarios, while certainly dangerous and requiring proper emergency procedures, do not inherently necessitate the immediate use of a life raft as does the act of ditching itself.