The Bismarck could no longer steer. The steering motor room was flooded up to the main deck and the rudders were jammed. Divers went down to the steering room and managed to centre one rudder but the other remained irreparably jammed.
The crew had been full of elation at the destruction of the Hood but by 25 May it became known that strong forces were pursuing them. Survivors stated that half a day was lost by unreliable reports from German planes.59 Her course was being directed by Admiral Carls (Commander-in-Chief Western Group), and she was expecting to be met by a strong force of aircraft and submarines. She was urgently in need of fuel. When the torpedo hit her60 frantic efforts were made to repair the damage. About 2242 the British destroyers were sighted and a heavy fire opened on them. Their appearance must have greatly complicated the situation. About 2250/26 came a signal from Hitler “All our thoughts are with our victorious comrades.”
59. Survivors’ reports. It is difficult to fit this into the Bismarck’s track.
60. Presumably about 2100/26.