"In a emergancy"

They mean to scuttle the vessel.

I'm aware of the propulsion for those vessels. Not an expert or a helmsman.

But, this is my theory:

In the event of an emergancy.... unexpected winds from a hurricane or similar disturbance.. etc... The Capatain.. Helmsman. Will get close to a launching ramp, will sit and ride the wave, Bob, Bob,, Bob, "full forward" and try and use the multi-direction propulsion to literally try and launch, and very much beach the vessel like a whale.

This will hopefully, allow time for all hands to disembark before the vessel gets pulled out, anchor or nor, and get thrashed.

But as for; "You had a heart attack?" "And passed?..." "We will launch as normal."

Dead is cargo. Damage is a delay for said cargo. A ship. Does not scuttle for a coffin. Aiming for a ramp is not easy in a storm.