Ships slowing due to damage IRL

[Nisgeis]

Hi Guys.

It's been noted that in SH5 ships only slow down if you damage their propulsion in some way. Now I have read accounts of ships slowing down to avoid increasing the damage to their hull / bulkheads espceially when in heavy weather.

Does anyone have any information on how much they should slow down and when they should stop? I've heard of severely damaged ships being taken under tow backwards, to avoid increasing damage to the bow.

Thanks!