Maybe he's a quick study. After all, he is a scientist.

Watching Thunderball for the umpteenth time this weekend, I was suddenly struck by an odd question that no one really seems to have the answer to.  That question is: what happened to Ladislav Kutze after he jumped off of the boat?  I'm asking this because right before he, Domino, and James Bond jump from the runaway (and soon to be exploded) Disco Volante, he says, "I can't swim!" to which Bond replies, "Never too late to learn," and then hands him a life ring and pushes him overboard before he and Domino jump into the water.  The next thing we see is Domino and James getting into the life raft.  Poor Kutze is nowhere to be seen, never mentioned, and never heard from again.  I'm just wondering what happened to the poor guy.  Was there another life raft?  Did he lose his hold on the ring and drown?  Was he eaten by sharks?  Was he later picked up by the coast guard?  Did the guy with the underwater lair from The Spy Who Loved Me find him?  So many questions.  The guy who played him says that he survived, but we the viewers are never given any indication that that is the case.  I suppose it will have to be one of those questions destined to go forever unanswered.  (I shall try my best to get over it and continue on with my life.)