So sad , sounds like if the TR drive had not failed at the critical moment they may have had a fighting chance. One thing I am not clear on , though it probably would not have made any difference if you are sure you are ditching would you not deploy the floats once you have reduced speed rather than just arming. Or is the SOP just to arm and allow the auto inflate to happen after you have hit the water surface ?. Does any one have the ditching procedure from the Flight Manual they could post .