First woman known to patent a life raft, a milestone in maritime safety tech.
On May 16, 1882, Maria E. Beasley became the first woman on record to secure a patent for a life raft, earning recognition as a pioneer in maritime engineering. Her patent, No. 258,191, for a collapsible life raft was a groundbreaking achievement not only for its technical merits but also as a barrier-breaking milestone for women in science and engineering, fields typically dominated by men during her time. Beasley's work in this domain underscored her role in advancing technology and safety standards on a global scale.