Engineer Port Repair Ship

by United States. War Department

2. Approximate size and type of vessel.

3. Nature and extent of its superstructure.

4. Would the removal or destruction of the superstructure leave enough water between the hull and the surface for large vessels to use the channel?

Figure 53. Two half-sunken ships and the bomb crater in harbor’s seawall and quay show the results of well-planned destruction.

5. Nature of bottom and effect of currents.

6. Is ship filled with rock or concrete?

7. Indications of mines and booby traps.

(c) This information determines whether the superstructure can be cut through or flattened with explosives or if the hull has to be broken up before the channel is cleared. Destroying the hull is a long, difficult task and should not be attempted if the removal of the superstructure affords enough clearance.