A practical evacuation theory for the Mary Celeste

What most likely happened to the crew of the Mary Celeste?

They may have evacuated temporarily because of the cargo, then lost their towline and died at sea while the ship remained afloat.

One proposed explanation begins with a crew unfamiliar with a cargo that creaked and expanded, but aware of its risks. Noise from the cargo could have prompted a temporary move into the lifeboat, tied astern until it seemed safe to return. If the line then parted through wear, fouling, or the ship's motion, the boat would be separated from the Mary Celeste. A later storm or capsize could account for the loss of its occupants while the ship remained afloat. The precise sequence remains uncertain.