Clogged limber holes can endanger a ship's stability by __________.

Correct Answer: Option B — preventing water from draining to the bilge well

Limber holes allow water to drain freely to the bilge wells for pumping. If these holes are clogged, water accumulates in the holds rather than the bilge, creating a free surface effect. This significantly reduces the vessel's metacentric height (GM), potentially leading to a dangerous loss of stability.