"Capt. JG" wrote

The only thing about the scenario of sinking that doesn't quite wash (no
pun intended) is that there would surely be some debris. Lot's of things
would float and nothing has been found. Of course, it's a big ocean....

Yes, but a stern first sinking would trap much more than a bow first
sinking. It could have reduced the floaters to the point that they were
missed.

An entire oceanographic vessel disappeared within a few miles of Boothbay
Harbor in the 70's. This was a 40 - 60 foot boat which carried lots of gear
on deck and nothing was ever found in a much more traveled area.

--
Roger Long