A romancização oficial do filme indica que havia uma lacuna considerável no topo do tanque, mais do que suficiente para as baleias respirarem em sua curta jornada, mesmo que esse ar não estivesse sendo reciclado pelos sistemas de suporte de vida do navio (o que quase certamente era).
Fighting the instinct to breathe, Jim kicked through the deep water. He broke the surface and flung up his arm to fend off the ceiling. The sprung seals had allowed most of the air to escape. Only a hands-breadth of airspace remained between the water and the top of the cargo bay. Gasping, treading water, he tilted his head back so his nose and mouth remained in the air. He took a long, deep breath, and dove again.
Isso está de acordo com o script de filmagem do filme.
Scene 246: TOP OF CARGO BAY
[Kirk breaks the surface, his lungs screaming for air. Only a few inches remain unflooded. He gulps air, and dives one last time.]