What is the most likely cause of an excessive list on a ship?

An excessive list on a ship is primarily associated with issues concerning the distribution and management of weight aboard the vessel. Improper liquid loading or flooding is especially significant because the way liquids are stored can dramatically affect the vessel's stability. For instance, if tanks are filled unevenly, or if there is an ingress of water due to flooding, it can create an imbalance that leads to a list. This situation can compromise the ship's ability to remain upright and may lead to further complications, such as reduced maneuverability and increased risk of capsizing.

While improper cargo handling and equipment failure can contribute to stability issues, they generally do not cause an immediate or dramatic excessive list like improper liquid loading can. Severe weather can impact a ship's stability, but the primary concern regarding a list stems from how weight is distributed on the vessel itself, making improper liquid loading or flooding the most likely cause in this scenario.