I think I see a flaw in the cunning plan of putting a submersible barge along side the Riverdance. If there was enough water to bring the barge alongside the ship wouldn't that mean there would be enough to float off the ship itself?
The last RN Frigate to get the piggy-back treatment was the 'Destroyer' HMS Nottingham which managed to get driven onto a reef down under. It was holed below the waterline but still afloat. The Riverdance is an entirely different kettle of fish. You never know though.. if they can get those containers off and drag her off the sand (given high enough tides..) she may get a second chance.
If the water gets deep enough to put a submersible barge alongside her, and put her on it, then obviously there would be sufficient water for her to float on her own. It all depends on whether the side she's lying on has been damaged at all, or whether the soft sand has cushioned the hull and protected it. That can be determined from internal inspection. If they cant free her during high tides as she lies at present, they may suck the sand from underneath to help righten her and so release her.
