The raft was designed by Michael, and built by him and other survivors. Michael wanted to get his son Walt off the Island, which was why he built it. After it was built, an arsonist set it on fire, and it was destroyed. Many people thought it was Jin, but he did not burn the raft, and Sun had to convince the survivors, which she did, but revealing she spoke English. The raft was burnt by Walt, but only Locke knew, and Walt later told Michael.

A second raft was built, and Michael, Walt, Jin, and Sawyer would board it. Kate originally wanted to be on it, but Sawyer stole her spot. Kate and Sun poison Michael, so Jin could stay. They never find out it was Sun, but the raft was launched nevertheless. On the night of the launch, the radar on the boat shows a boat nearby. They fire a flare to get their attention, and it works. They think they are rescued, but the captain of the boat demands they have "the boy". The Others destroy the raft, and capture Walt.