Triskel
[QUOTE]Mr Snuggles - thank you for posting link to hi-res pics. From the apparent concave folding of the skin, the pressure hull was probably intact on entering the water (otherwise the water pressure would equalise inside and out). The hull probably broke on contact with the sea floor or perhaps on the way down (if the water was stratified, on encountering layers of different density)?/QUOTE]
As we saw in the AF incident and other cases where an intact plane contacts the sea at high vertical speed, the water is about as friendly as concrete. This causes conciderable damage.
I would have thought the main damage would be done on impact with the sea surface and secondary damage as the wreckage was moved by the currents. I doubt there is sufficient depth for density layers to be a factor.
Even the Hudson ditching caused considerable damage with for example a support from the cargo hold being punched up into the cabin injuring a flight attendant.
I would however concur with you opinion that the aircraft wss relatively intact at impact.