The proposed repair is an inflatable panel strapped over a hole from outside the hull. Its material would need to resist jagged edges while filling or covering the opening. An expanding-foam version is also considered. Sea pressure would push the patch into place while the crew shored the damage from inside, making this a speculative way to slow flooding and give the internal repair more time.
Notable Point · 2:35:01-2:37:49
An inflatable outer patch proposed for a damaged hull
A speculative hull patch would use inflation or expanding foam and external water pressure while the crew worked on an internal repair.