Flooding forensics and watertight integrity

The inquiry reconstructed why Victoria sank after a collision that did not directly destroy her machinery spaces. The affected area lacked strong longitudinal bulkheads, and twelve compartments were initially affected. Open watertight doors increased the spread, while deck-level openings and gun ports allowed flooding to rise beyond the initial breach and create a dangerous heel. Closing those openings was customary in heavy seas but had not become normal collision procedure. Investigators concluded that closing them probably would have confined the damage, limited the list to about nine degrees, and left the deck above water. Victoria might then have continued under her own power. Watertight readiness could determine whether a breach remained contained.