Naval blunders and disasters generally have a finality not achieved on land. They can be the consequence of political decisions that turn out to be wrong. The admiral in command can blunder during a battle or a fleet manoeuvre. A captain can run his ship into a collision, or on the rocks. There may be technical problems with machinery, or equipment that malfunctions.
Communications can break down and signals be misunderstood.
Life at sea has never been easy. The elements frequently play a role in causing disasters, as do other circumstances over which the man on the spot has no control. In days gone by disease was always a bigger killer than enemy action. Personality clashes, vanity, and simple lack of luck, can make a disaster out of an otherwise sound decision. The reverse is also true.