Q&A ยท 2:11:36-2:11:44

Why Sydney might leave without rescuing survivors

Severe damage could require withdrawal even if Sydney's crew still expected to save their ship.

Question

If Sydney was not mortally damaged, why would she leave without rescuing Kormoran's survivors?

Short answer

Severe damage could require withdrawal even without an expectation that the ship would sink.

Notes

A ship could be badly damaged and need to withdraw even if the damage was not expected to sink her. Continuing away from the action does not by itself establish that Sydney's crew believed the ship was beyond saving.