Corrected entry: The use of massive explosives to separate a ship makes no sense as the explosion would send fragments at high velocity in every direction guaranteeing it would penetrate whatever ship is remaining. As we see in the final scene when the ship does blow apart, it is not a precise controlled detonation to sever connections but a total (and glamorous) explosion which makes no sense whatsoever.
jerimiah
22nd Apr 2009
Correction: The explosions breach the outer hull, pulling the debris outward with the explosive decompression, the film shows the ring shaped explosions at both ends of the corridor. The debris wouldn't hit the lifeboat because it is heading in a different direction.