Which action should be prioritized when in a liferaft after abandoning ship?

The correct action to prioritize when in a liferaft after abandoning ship is to remain near the sinking vessel. Staying close to the vessel enhances visibility and increases the chances of being seen by rescuers, as the vessel may still be detectable on the water surface. It is also more likely that search and rescue teams will look for survivors near the last known location of the ship.

Remaining in proximity to the vessel can provide a reference point for rescuers, while drifting away can significantly reduce the chances of being found. The abandoned ship may also have survival supplies and equipment that could be useful if one remains in its vicinity.

While it's important to be aware of navigating towards land and staying close to other survivors, those actions are secondary to the priority of maintaining proximity to the vessel for effective rescue opportunities. Purging excess water from the raft is also crucial for safety and comfort but does not take precedence over the life-saving tactical decision of location in relation to the vessel.