Your ship of 12,000 tons displacement has a center of gravity of 21.5 feet above the keel. You run aground and estimate the weight aground is 2500 tons. The virtual rise in the center of gravity is __________.

Correct Answer: Option D — 5.66 feet

Virtual rise in the center of gravity due to grounding is calculated using the formula GG' = (P times KG) / (W - P), where P is the grounded weight (2500 tons) and W is displacement (12000 tons). This accounts for the upward reaction force acting at the keel.