I somewhat take issue with the title'Capt Coward' because, while he alledgedly did leave his vessel before several of the passengers and crew, there was a lot of confusion over when he actually left the vessel.
More factually, he was involved with one of the female crew, showing off his prowess by passing too close to the island to salute his former mentor who had retired there and my not have even been on the bridge but was otherwise involved with his romantic interest!
I heard this from one of the bridge officers who was aboard the stricken ship at the time.
Of course, they are all Italian and affairs of the heart are very important to them.
My guess is he was thinking with his little
head rather than his big one!
Cheers, Phil