Re: "power was naturally backed up by a generator that was seated on the roof"
Why would being submerged be a problem for a diesel tank, assuming when it was filled they "screwed the cap on tight", so to speak? If it needs to admit air (to replace the volume of diesel being pumped out) it just needs a "snorkel" of sorts that goes high enough.
Sort of like those military vehicles that can ford streams and get in water up to their hood - the fuel tank is clearly submerged, as is the engine, but the engine air inlet and exhaust snorkels are above the waterline.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
