HC Deb 05 June 1924 vol 174 cc1474-5W
Rear-Admiral SUETER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the maximum draught at which a damaged modern capital ship could float without capsizing or sinking?

Mr. HODGES

Whether a damaged ship could be saved from sinking or capsizing would depend upon:

  1. 1. The extent of the damage.
  2. 1475
  3. 2. The part of the ship where the damage is sustained.
  4. 3. The amount of initial freeboard and stability possessed by the ship and the extent of her subdivision.
  5. 4. Whether all openings are closed, or time permits of their being promptly closed after the damage is sustained.
  6. 5. The state of the sea and weather at the time.
Many assumptions would have to be made before the maximum draught in question could be investigated, and much time would be required to make the necessary calculations for any particular damage in any one ship.