Al-Matalib al-'Aliyah 324 — Covering the awrah

It is narrated from Hajjaj bin Artah that he asked (the renowned Successor) Ata bin Abi Rabah (may Allah have mercy on him) about people who are drowning (because a boat or the like has sunk) and then come out (of the water) naked: how should they perform prayer? He said: "If they find grass or vegetation (to cover themselves), they should cover themselves with it; and if nothing at all is available, they should pray sitting, with their imam right among them, or he said: in their middle, (in a single row)."
Imam Abu Ya'la al-Mawsili transmitted this narration in his Musnad. In its chain, Hajjaj bin Artah, despite being saduq (truthful), is well known for tadlis (concealing the source); however, this report is based on the fiqh position of Ata (may Allah have mercy on him) concerning the manner of prayer in a state of necessity.