Bartlett's attempt to beach Britannic

With steering impaired and no incoming wireless confirmation that help was coming, Bartlett used differential engine power to turn toward Kea. He delayed lowering boats because the ship itself offered the best protection and proximity to land improved survival odds. Boats launched before his order were drawn into the turning propellers, causing most of the deaths. After stopping the engines and launching most of the occupants in 35 boats, he restarted them in another attempt to reach the shore. Renewed flooding forced him to abandon that attempt and order the final evacuation. He continued coordinating rescue from a collapsible boat. His engine orders are defended as an attempt to preserve lives and a strategically valuable hospital ship with the limited information available on the bridge.