Which of the following is another indication of flooding?

Water around the sounding tube cap or air rushing out from the tube when opened is a strong indication of flooding. When a vessel is flooding, it can create pressure differences that impact the stability of the sounding tubes. If water is present, it may accumulate around the cap, suggesting that the surrounding area is compromised. Additionally, if air rushes out when the cap is opened, this indicates that water has displaced air inside the tube, confirming that there is flooding beneath the waterline. This scenario allows a crew member to recognize the immediate threat posed by rising water levels within the ship's compartments.

The other indicators, while possibly related to water presence, may not provide a direct connection to flooding conditions in the same manner. For instance, water pooling in corners is a sign of water presence but is less specific to the event of flooding as it could result from condensation or other sources. Temperature drops in a room may indicate other issues but are not definitive proof of flooding. Mechanical failure in pumps can happen for various reasons unrelated to flooding, making it a less reliable indicator in this context.