Ark Royal's loss is linked to damage-control choices after the torpedo hit as well as the opening itself. Counterflooding standards for battleships and cruisers could not simply be carried over to a carrier with different metacentric-height and stability concerns. Following carrier-specific doctrine might have kept her afloat for repair. The example shows why damage control has to match the ship's architecture.
Notable Point · 3:37:52-3:38:29
Ark Royal, counterflooding, and carrier stability
Ark Royal's loss illustrates why carrier counterflooding doctrine must account for a carrier's distinct stability limits.