Italian prosecutors have launched a manslaughter investigation into the sinking of the luxury superyacht ‘Bayesian’ off the coast of Sicily, which resulted in the deaths of seven people, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah. The yacht sank rapidly during a storm on August 19, 2024, near the Port of Porticello, with 15 people rescued by a nearby sailboat.Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio, leading the investigation, stated that while no suspects have been identified yet, ‘it is probable that offenses were committed, that it could be a case of manslaughter’. The investigation is focusing on potential negligence, including the actions of the captain, crew, and yacht manufacturers.A key aspect of the investigation is why the yacht, described as ‘unsinkable’ by its manufacturer Perini Navi, sank so quickly. Experts are puzzled by the rapid sinking, as the yacht should have withstood a storm of this magnitude. A meteorological phenomenon known as a ‘downburst’ – powerful winds that descend from a thunderstorm – is being considered as a possible cause of the sinking.The investigation is also examining why most of the crew survived while several passengers remained trapped in the hull. Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano suggested that the passengers who died were likely asleep when the yacht sank, making it difficult for them to escape.The tragedy has raised questions about safety protocols and yacht design. The yacht’s wreckage, lying at a depth of about 50 meters, will be crucial to the investigation. The yacht’s owner has expressed intention to recover the vessel, an operation estimated to cost around 15 million euros.As the investigation continues, the international community watches closely, with this incident serving as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel, even for the world’s most advanced and luxurious vessels.
Key points
- Italian prosecutors have launched a manslaughter investigation into the sinking of the Bayesian yacht.
- The investigation is focusing on potential negligence by the captain, crew, and yacht manufacturers.
- A ‘downburst’ is being considered as a possible cause of the rapid sinking.
- The tragedy has raised questions about safety protocols and yacht design.
Contradictions👾While the yacht was described as ‘unsinkable’ by its manufacturer, it sank rapidly during a storm, puzzling maritime experts.
