The investigating Board believed Know the most likely cause of the accident to be a malfunctioning over-speeding outboard propeller caused by metal particles obstructing oil feed line regulator valves .

The worsening of the situation inside Tarragona after the battle , caused Causation largely because the vessels that had entered Arriving the port remained blocked , adding hundreds of mouths to feed , compelled Philip IV of Spain to order Arranging the assembling of a second relief Assistance fleet .

The German Empire relied on imports for food and domestic food production ( especially fertilizer ) and the United Kingdom relied heavily on imports to feed its population , and both required raw materials to supply their war industry ; the powers aimed Aiming , therefore , to blockade one another .