Which would be the most question to ask to investigate the maine sinking? were any parts of the ship already damaged or in need of repair? did any spanish ships sink in the atlantic during the 1800s? which artists used the maine as the subject of their paintings? what famous person died during the sinking of the maine?

Answer A.  As in any investigation of accidents involving transportation or machines, one of the first questions is how their conditions were before the operation started. In the case of the Maine, it would be important to know whether any part was already damaged.

B. The ship exploded and sank in Havana Harbor.

C and D. No famous person or artist painting would be of any help in such an investigation.