Abstract: A lifesaving apparatus for use on ships and other types of water sustained vessels which is characterized by the fact that it can be actuated by a person who has fallen overboard without the intervention of on-deck personnel. The lifesaving apparatus is mounted on a support secured to the vessel and includes among other components a life buoy; a man-overboard pole and flag; and a trailing line, which is constantly streamed astern of the vessel so that the life buoy and associated components are released from the support on the vessel when the trailing line is grasped by a man overboard.