Why some damaged warships were scuttled instead of towed

Why were so many damaged ships scuttled in the Second World War instead of being towed for repair?

Many were towed, but recovery was abandoned when time, distance, tow speed, and air or submarine threats made it unsafe.

The choice depended on whether a damaged ship could be moved to a suitable port before the enemy found the tow. Slow speed and poor maneuverability made both vessels vulnerable to submarines and aircraft. Successful tows often disappear into repair narratives, whereas scuttlings remain prominent because they become recorded ship losses. HMS Edinburgh is offered as an example of a serious recovery attempt that failed despite considerable effort.