also the often unmentioned fact that the heavy loss of life on the Belgrano was due to her Captain, Hector Bonzo, choosing to cruise with all hatches & watertight doors open !
Thats why she stayed afloat after losing her bow
The heavy loss of life was due to the torpedo which struck outside the armour plating blowing away the compartments above which were the crowded messes and general relaxation area, some 275 men.