[Riley]

Even if the lifeboat flipped, the seals could then take over as it is not possible for a pirate to fire at them once they are dumped in the water.

The lifeboat is fully enclosed and is meant to withstand being flipped. It's not an open boat.

[old curmudgeon]

Well as I said, I am not Navy, but I doubt that if the boat were flipped that the pirates would have much fight left in them.

Especially if you flipped it several times.