UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                  SCHEDULE 13D
                               (AMENDMENT NO. __)*

                    Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


                      SAFETY COMPONENTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                      -------------------------------------
                                (Name of Issuer)

                                  COMMON STOCK
                                  ------------
                           (Title of Class Securities)

                                    786474205
                                    ---------
                                 (CUSIP Number)
                                 LEONARD DISALVO
                        VICE PRESIDENT -- FINANCE AND CFO
                               ZAPATA CORPORATION
                         100 MERIDIAN CENTRE, SUITE 350
                            ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14618
                               TEL. (585) 242-2000

                                   COPIES TO:
                              GORDON E. FORTH, ESQ.
                             WOODS OVIATT GILMAN LLP
                             700 CROSSROADS BUILDING
                                TWO STATE STREET
                            ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14614

                               TEL. (585) 987-2800

                      -------------------------------------
                  (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
                Authorized to receive Notices and Communications)

                               SEPTEMBER 18, 2003
                      -------------------------------------
             (Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report
the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this
schedule because of Rule 13d-1(b)(3) or (4), check the following box / /.

Note. Six copies of this statement, including all exhibits, should be filed with
the Commission. See Rule 13d-1(a) for other parties to whom copies are to be
sent.

*     The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting
      person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of
      securities and for any subsequent amendment

      containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a
      prior cover page.

      The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be
      deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities
      Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that
      section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the
      Act. (However, see the Notes).

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)   NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
      S.S. or I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON

      Zapata Corporation
      74-1339132
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2)   CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (See Instructions)

                              (a)  / /
                              (b)  / /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3)   SEC USE ONLY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4)   SOURCE OF FUNDS

      WC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(5)   CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS
      REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)                                / /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(6)   CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

      Nevada
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         (7)   SOLE VOTING POWER

                                    2,663,905 shares
                         -------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF SHARES         (8)   SHARED VOTING POWER
BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY
EACH REPORTING PERSON               0
WITH                     -------------------------------------------------------

                         (9)   SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                    2,663,905 shares
                         -------------------------------------------------------
                         (10)  SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

                                    0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(11)  AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

      2,663,905 shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(12)  CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES

      (See Instructions)                                                     / /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(13)  PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

      53.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(14)  TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (See Instructions)

      CO

ITEM 1. SECURITY AND ISSUER.

      This Schedule relates to shares of the Common Stock, par value $.01 per
share ("Common Stock") of Safety Components International, Inc. (the "Issuer").
The Issuer's principal executive office is located at 41 Stevens Street,
Greenville, South Carolina 29605.

ITEM 2. IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND.

      This statement is submitted by Zapata Corporation ("Zapata"), a
corporation organized under the laws of the State of Nevada. Zapata is a holding
company which currently has one principal operating company, Omega Protein
Corporation (NYSE: "OME"), in which it has a 60% ownership interest. Omega
Protein is the nation's largest marine protein company. In addition, Zapata owns
98% of its subsidiary, Zap.Com Corporation (OTCBB: "ZPCM"), which is a public
shell corporation. Zapata's principal business and office address is 100
Meridian Centre, Suite 350, Rochester, New York 14618.

      Zapata has not, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal
proceeding and has not, during the last five years, been a party to a civil
proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as a
result of which it is or was subject to a judgment, decree or final order
enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject
to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to
such laws.

      Information as to the identity and background of the directors, executive
officers and controlling person of Zapata is set forth in Appendix A attached
hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference. All of the individuals
indicated in Appendix A are U.S. citizens and each such person disclaims
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock beneficially owned by Zapata.

      Neither Zapata nor, to the best knowledge of Zapata, the individuals
listed in Appendix A, have, during the last five years, been convicted in a
criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors) and
have not, during the last five years, been a party to a civil proceeding of a
judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction as a result of which
it is or was subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future
violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or
state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

ITEM 3. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION

      As of September 23, 2003, Zapata had invested $30.9 million (inclusive of
brokerage commissions) in shares of Common Stock. The source of these funds is
Zapata's working capital.

ITEM 4. PURPOSE OF THE TRANSACTION

      Zapata purchased shares of Common Stock to establish a significant equity
interest in the Issuer. Depending upon overall market conditions, other
investment opportunities, the availability of Common Stock at desirable prices,
the Issuer's financial condition, business

prospects and other developments concerning the Issuer or Zapata, Zapata may
endeavor to increase its position in the Issuer through, among other things, the
purchase of Common Stock in open market or private transactions or to dispose of
its Common Stock, in all cases on such terms and at such times as Zapata deems
advisable.

      Zapata plans to contact the Issuer. Depending on Zapata's on-going
evaluation of the Issuer as well as other factors which Zapata deems relevant,
Zapata may discuss with the Issuer, among other matters, representation on the
Issuer's board of directors and take such other actions as it deems appropriate,
including, without limitation, communicating with other stockholders of the
Issuer, presenting proposals for consideration or nominees for election as
directors at a meeting of the Issuer's stockholders or offering to acquire the
Issuer. Zapata reserves the right to change its intention with respect to any
and all matters referred to in this Item 4. Except as set forth in this Item 4,
the Issuer does not have any present plans or proposals which relate to or would
result in any of the matters set forth in paragraphs (a) through (j) of Item 4
of Schedule 13D.

ITEM 5. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER

      (a) As of the date of this Schedule 13D, Zapata beneficially owns
2,663,905 shares of Common Stock. Based on information contained in the most
recently available filing by the Issuer with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, such shares constitute approximately 53.7% of the issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock. To the knowledge of Zapata, no shares of
Common Stock are beneficially owned by any of the persons enumerated in
Instruction C to Schedule 13D.

      (b) Zapata has the sole power to vote and sole power to dispose of
2,663,905 shares of Common Stock.

      (c) The following is a description of all transactions in the Common Stock
within the last 60 days. Each transaction was a privately negotiated block
purchase by Zapata.

SETTLEMENT DATE OF TRANSACTION NO. OF SHARES PRICE PER SHARE - --------------- ------------- --------------- 9/23/03 844,027 $11.25 9/23/03 9,687 $11.25 9/23/03 1,285,191 $11.75 9/23/03 525,000 $11.75
(d) No person other that Zapata is known to have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, such shares of the Common Stock. (e) Not Applicable. ITEM 6. CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT TO SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER Each of the sellers of the shares of Common Stock have executed and delivered to Zapata irrevocable proxies to vote at the Issuer's 2003 annual meeting of stockholders the shares of Common Stock held by them or with respect to which they have the right to vote as of the record date for such annual meeting. Copies of the proxies are filed as exhibit 1 through 4 and are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 7. MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS 1. Irrevocable Proxy dated September 26, 2003 executed by Putnam Investment Management, LLC in favor of Zapata 2. Irrevocable Proxy dated September 26, 2003 executed by Putnam Fiduciary Trust Company on behalf of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. in favor of Zapata 3. Irrevocable Proxy dated September 26, 2003 executed by Wayland Investments Fund, LLC in favor of Zapata 4. Irrevocable Proxy dated September 26, 2003 executed by Jefferies & Company, Inc. in favor of Zapata Signature After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. Dated: September 29, 2003 ZAPATA CORPORATION By: /s/ Leonard DiSalvo ------------------------------- Name: Leonard DiSalvo Title: VP -- Finance and CFO APPENDIX A
Position with Zapata and Name and Residence or Business Address Principal Occupation or Employment - -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Malcolm I. Glazer Family Limited Partnership, a Controlling Stockholder Nevada limited partnership 270 Commerce Drive Rochester, New York 14623 Malcolm I. Glazer Sole executive officer, director and shareholder of 1482 South Ocean Boulevard Malcolm I. Glazer, GP, Inc., sole general partner of Palm Beach, Florida 33480 the Malcolm I. Glazer Family Limited Partnership; Private Investor Avram A. Glazer Chairman of the Board, President and 100 Meridian Centre, Suite 350 Chief Executive Officer Rochester, New York 14618 Leonard DiSalvo Vice President Finance - Chief 100 Meridian Centre, Suite 350 Financial Officer Rochester, New York 14618 Gordon E. Forth, Esq. Corporate Secretary, Partner - Woods Oviatt Gilman, LP. 700 Crossroads Building 2 State Street Rochester, New York 14614 Robert V. Leffler, Jr. Director, Owner- The Leffler Agency 2607 N. Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218 Warren H. Gfeller Director, Principal in Clayton/Hamilton Equities, 5428 Payne Court L.L.C., Stranger Valley Company, L.L.C. and Tatgc Shawnee, Kansas 66226 Chemical and Manufacturing, Inc. Bryan G. Glazer Director, Employed by, and works on behalf of a number One Buccaneer Place of entities owned and controlled by Malcolm I. Glazer, Tampa, Florida 33607 including The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a National Football League franchise
Position with Zapata and Name and Residence or Business Address Principal Occupation or Employment - -------------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Edward S. Glazer Director, Employed by, and works on behalf of a number One Buccaneer Place of entities owned and controlled by Malcolm I. Glazer, Tampa, Florida 33607 including The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a National Football League franchise Darcie S. Glazer Director, Employed by, and works on behalf of, Malcolm 4380 N. Bay Road I. Glazer and a number of entities owned and controlled Miami Beach, Florida 33140 by Malcolm I. Glazer, including First Allied Corporation John R. Halldow Director, Director of Public Affairs for Rural Metro 10 Line Street Medical Services Pittsford, New York 14534
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description - ----------- ----------- 1 Irrevocable Proxy dated September 26, 2003 executed by Putnam Investment Management, LLC in favor of Zapata 2 Irrevocable Proxy dated September 26, 2003 executed by Putnam Fiduciary Trust Company on behalf of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. in favor of Zapata 3 Irrevocable Proxy dated September 26, 2003 executed by Wayland Investments Fund, LLC in favor of Zapata 4 Irrevocable Proxy dated September 26, 2003 executed by Jefferies & Company, Inc. in favor of Zapata

                                                                       EXHIBIT 1

                                IRREVOCABLE PROXY

      The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Avram Glazer in his
capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of Zapata Corporation, a
Nevada corporation ("ZAPATA"), or any other designee of Zapata (each a "PROXY
HOLDER"), each as their attorney-in-fact and grants to each of them an
irrevocable proxy, pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law to vote at any annual or special meeting of stockholders
of Safety Components International Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("SAFETY
COMPONENTS"), or any adjournment or postponement thereof, or to execute and
deliver written consents or otherwise act in such manner as each such
attorney-in-fact and proxy shall, in his sole and absolute discretion, deem
proper with respect to the number of shares of capital stock of Safety
Components listed below, and any and all other shares or securities of Safety
Components issued or issuable with respect thereto as fully, to the same extent
and with the same effect, as the undersigned might or could do under any
applicable laws or regulations governing the rights and powers of stockholders
of a Delaware corporation, and severally grants to each such Proxy Holder full
power of substitution and resubstitution. This proxy is irrevocable (to the
fullest extent permitted by law), coupled with an interest, and is granted in
consideration of Zapata's purchase of the shares with respect to which this
proxy is granted. All prior powers of attorney and proxies granted by the
undersigned at any time with respect to such shares or securities is hereby
revoked and no subsequent powers of attorney, proxies, consents or revocations
may be given at any time by the undersigned with respect thereto (and if given,
will not be deemed effective).

      By accepting this Irrevocable Proxy, Zapata hereby agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the undersigned from any and all claims, actions or
damages or losses related to or arising out of Zapata's exercise of its rights
under this Irrevocable Proxy.

                            [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this proxy or caused
its duly authorized representative to execute this proxy as of the date written
below.

Dated this 26th day of September 2003.

                                        PUTNAM INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC

                                        ON BEHALF OF

                                        Putnam High Yield Trust
                                        Number of shares 395,677

                                        Putnam High Yield Advantage
                                        Number of shares 170,877

                                        Putnam Asset Allocation: Conservative
                                          Portfolio
                                        Number of shares 1,873

                                        Putnam Variable Trust - Putnam VT Income
                                          Fund
                                        Number of shares 53,517

                                        Putnam High Yield Fixed Income Fund, LLC
                                        Number of shares 1,111

                                        Putnam Asset Allocation: Growth
                                          Portfolio
                                        Number of shares 6,366

                                        Putnam Master Income Trust
                                        Number of shares 15,520

                                        Putnam Premier Income Trust
                                        Number of shares 39,603

                                        Putnam Diversified Income Trust
                                        Number of shares 148,779

                                        Putnam Master Intermediate Income Trust
                                        Number of shares 10,704

                                        By:    /s/ Michael E. DeFao
                                               ---------------------------------
                                        Name;  Michael E. DeFao
                                        Title: Vice President and Assistant
                                               Secretary


                                                                       EXHIBIT 2

                                IRREVOCABLE PROXY

      The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Avram Glazer in his
capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of Zapata Corporation, a
Nevada corporation ("ZAPATA"), or any other designee of Zapata (each a "PROXY
HOLDER"), each as its attorney-in-fact and grants to each of them an irrevocable
proxy, pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law to vote at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of
Safety Components International Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("SAFETY
COMPONENTS"), or any adjournment or postponement thereof, or to execute and
deliver written consents or otherwise act in such manner as each such
attorney-in-fact and proxy shall, in his sole and absolute discretion, deem
proper with respect to the number of shares of capital stock of Safety
Components listed below, and any and all other shares or securities of Safety
Components issued or issuable with respect thereto as fully, to the same extent
and with the same effect, as the undersigned might or could do under any
applicable laws or regulations governing the rights and powers of stockholders
of a Delaware corporation, and grants to each such Proxy Holder full power of
substitution and resubstitution. This proxy is irrevocable (to the fullest
extent permitted by law), coupled with an interest, and is granted in
consideration of Zapata's purchase of the shares with respect to which this
proxy is granted. All prior powers of attorney and proxies granted by the
undersigned at any time with respect to such shares or securities is hereby
revoked and no subsequent powers of attorney, proxies, consents or revocations
may be given at any time by the undersigned with respect thereto (and if given,
will not be deemed effective).

      By accepting this Irrevocable Proxy, Zapata hereby agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the undersigned from any and all claims, actions or
damages or losses related to or arising out of Zapata's exercise of its rights
under this Irrevocable Proxy.

                            [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this proxy or caused its
duly authorized representative to execute this proxy as of the date written
below.

Dated this 26th day of September 2003.

                                        PUTNAM FIDUCIARY TRUST COMPANY
                                        On Behalf of

                                        Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.
                                        US Retirement Plan - High Yield
                                        Number of shares 9,687


                                        By:      /s/Michael E. DeFao
                                        Name:    Michael E. DeFao
                                        Title:   Vice President and Assistant
                                                 Secretary


                                                                       EXHIBIT 3

                                IRREVOCABLE PROXY

      The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Avram Glazer in his
capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of Zapata Corporation, a
Nevada corporation ("ZAPATA"), or any other designee of Zapata (each a "PROXY
HOLDER"), each as its attorney-in-fact and grants to each of them an irrevocable
proxy, pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law to vote at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of
Safety Components International Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("SAFETY
COMPONENTS"), or any adjournment or postponement thereof, or to execute and
deliver written consents or otherwise act in such manner as each such
attorney-in-fact and proxy shall, in his sole and absolute discretion, deem
proper with respect to the number of shares of capital stock of Safety
Components listed below, and any and all other shares or securities of Safety
Components issued or issuable with respect thereto as fully, to the same extent
and with the same effect, as the undersigned might or could do under any
applicable laws or regulations governing the rights and powers of stockholders
of a Delaware corporation, and grants to each such Proxy Holder full power of
substitution and resubstitution. This proxy is irrevocable (to the fullest
extent permitted by law), coupled with an interest, and is granted in
consideration of Zapata's purchase of the shares with respect to which this
proxy is granted. All prior powers of attorney and proxies granted by the
undersigned at any time with respect to such shares or securities is hereby
revoked and no subsequent powers of attorney, proxies, consents or revocations
may be given at any time by the undersigned with respect thereto (and if given,
will not be deemed effective).

      By accepting this Irrevocable Proxy, Zapata hereby agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the undersigned from any and all claims, actions or
damages or losses related to or arising out of Zapata's exercise of its rights
under this Irrevocable Proxy.

                            [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this proxy or caused its
duly authorized representative to execute this proxy as of the date written
below.

Dated this 26th day of September 2003.

                                        WAYLAND INVESTMENTS FUND, LLC
                                        By:  CFSC Wayland Advisors, Inc., its
                                                Manager
                                        Number of shares 1,285,191

                                        By:      /s/Patrick J. Halloran
                                        Name:    Patrick J. Halloran
                                        Title:   Vice President


                                                                       EXHIBIT 4

                                IRREVOCABLE PROXY

      The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Avram Glazer in his
capacity as President and Chief Executive Officer of Zapata Corporation, a
Nevada corporation ("ZAPATA"), or any other designee of Zapata (each a "PROXY
HOLDER"), each as its attorney-in-fact and grants to each of them an irrevocable
proxy, pursuant to the provisions of Section 212 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law to vote at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of
Safety Components International Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("SAFETY
COMPONENTS"), or any adjournment or postponement thereof, or to execute and
deliver written consents or otherwise act in such manner as each such
attorney-in-fact and proxy shall, in his sole and absolute discretion, deem
proper with respect to the number of shares of capital stock of Safety
Components listed below, and any and all other shares or securities of Safety
Components issued or issuable with respect thereto as fully, to the same extent
and with the same effect, as the undersigned might or could do under any
applicable laws or regulations governing the rights and powers of stockholders
of a Delaware corporation, and grants to each such Proxy Holder full power of
substitution and resubstitution. This proxy is irrevocable (to the fullest
extent permitted by law), coupled with an interest, and is granted in
consideration of Zapata's purchase of the shares with respect to which this
proxy is granted. All prior powers of attorney and proxies granted by the
undersigned at any time with respect to such shares or securities is hereby
revoked and no subsequent powers of attorney, proxies, consents or revocations
may be given at any time by the undersigned with respect thereto (and if given,
will not be deemed effective).

      By accepting this Irrevocable Proxy, Zapata hereby agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the undersigned from any and all claims, actions or
damages or losses related to or arising out of Zapata's exercise of its rights
under this Irrevocable Proxy.

      The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that it has obtained an
Irrevocable Proxy in substantially the same form as this Irrevocable Proxy from
each of the persons or entities who were holders of record of the shares listed
below on September 3, 2003.

                            [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this proxy or caused its
duly authorized representative to execute this proxy as of the date written
below.

Dated this 26th day of September 2003.

                                        JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC.
                                        On behalf of each of its affiliates and
                                        funds under management

                                        Number of shares 525,000


                                        By:      /s/ Robert J. Welch
                                        Name:    Robert J. Welch
                                        Title:   Senior Vice President