We have no idea, just speculation like you said. Pilot could have easily been calmly ordering bells and being told by crew that they were being answered exactly as he asked for, only to see the situation rapidly worsening. This happens all the time.
Also, another wrinkle is that on naval vessels the Captain or his Conning officer often insist on doing the job themselves, only wanting the pilot to help with tugs as they direct. This often makes situation stickier, especially when there is some language barrier.