The Bayesian was raised from the seabed near Sicily, where it sank in August 2022, killing seven of its 22 occupants. Owned by British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, the yacht’s recovery is critical for ongoing investigations into its vulnerabilities amid severe weather conditions.
Recovery of Sunken Superyacht Bayesian Near Sicily Marks New Phase in Investigation
Recovery of Sunken Superyacht Bayesian Near Sicily Marks New Phase in Investigation
Nearly a year after its tragic sinking, the luxury superyacht Bayesian has been lifted from the depths of the Mediterranean, enabling further investigations into the incident that claimed seven lives.
The superyacht Bayesian has been successfully raised from the seabed off the coast of Sicily, nearly a year after it sank tragically, resulting in the death of seven of the 22 individuals onboard. Italian officials confirmed that the luxury vessel will undergo a comprehensive series of inspections mandated by the public prosecutor's office before its complete removal from the water.
Owned by late British tech mogul Mike Lynch, the yacht was lost on August 19, 2022, during a storm that caught the crew off guard. The incident saw Mr. Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah among the fatalities, alongside five others. Initial investigations pointed out that Mr. Lynch and the crew were unaware of critical vulnerabilities in the boat, particularly its propensity to capsize in wind speeds exceeding 73 mph.
Recent footage captured during the salvage operation showcased the 56-meter (183-foot) yacht being raised from the water, appearing significantly damaged and encrusted with mud. The crew was reported to have been anchored near the small fishing village of Porticello when strong winds initiated a rapid flooding of the vessel, which ultimately sank in a matter of minutes.
The vessel is expected to be transported to the port of Termini Imerese, the base of the investigating prosecutors. Previous salvage efforts faced setbacks when a diver tragically lost his life during recovery attempts last month. May's investigation by the UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) revealed that winds exceeding 80 mph struck the yacht at the time of the accident, leading to its devastating capsizing.
Both UK and Italian investigators stress the importance of the yacht's recovery to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Witnesses recalled the quick disappearance of the vessel during an unexpected weather event, which left only 15 survivors, including Mr. Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares. The ongoing investigations aim to bring clarity to this catastrophic event and ensure accountability for the lives lost.
