This is my favorite theory. Russia initially gave a false
timeline for the disaster, saying it had occurred much
later than it actually did. This was to give the Peter the Great
time to steam away from the accidental launching, and
be out of the area when the explosion was to have happened.
There are statements from people, including non-Russians, aboard
the Peter the Great at the time to give this credence. The initial
mistiming needs explaining, and this does it.