"Assuming this is a reasonably accurate timeline, the delays by the captain in calling for assistance, telling people all was well, and giving the abandon ship order is unfathomable."

Indeed ... it is complete incompetence.
It reflects deep denial about what was going on.
Surely if there was major water intrusion in the engine room and the lower decks - the correct thing to do was to tell passengers to put on life jackets and to go to emergency stations immediately. And the crew should have prepared the lifeboats immediately.

Numerous accounts showing that passengers were first told that there was no serious problem - show unforgiveable actions by the captain and crew.

Pete2