[colorado tanker]

I don't like the pirate theory for two reasons. The crew's property was still in their cabins. Pirates would have stolen it. And the Dei Gratia crew was able to sail the ship to Gibraltar.

For some reason the captain must have thought his situation was more dire than it was. The disassebled pump indicates for some reason it may have failed. Maybe he thought he was taking on more water and leaking alcohol than he actually was and decided to make for land, which was in sight?

[SunkenCiv]

UFO. It’s the only explanation that makes sense. ;’)