The majestic Bayesian superyacht, which tragically sank last year off the coast of Sicily, was likely capsized due to a sudden, intense gust of wind, according to a preliminary investigation by British maritime authorities. The report highlights that a young deckhand on watch failed to wake the captain in time, choosing instead to document the storm on social media. The ensuing disaster unfolded rapidly, with the yacht going down within minutes of the captain being alerted.
Captain Andrew Moll, chief inspector for the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, stated, “The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over.” Once the yacht tipped beyond 70 degrees, it was deemed irretrievable. The investigation also noted the yacht's single towering mast, one of the tallest in the world, as a significant factor in its susceptibility to capsizing. Unlike others of its kind, the Bayesian had a unique single-mast design, which compromised its stability in adverse weather conditions.
The yacht's manufacturer, Perini Navi, had claimed the Bayesian was "unsinkable" when operated properly. However, experts reviewing the investigation cast doubt on both the yacht's design and its stability, suggesting that the balance of the boat and its superstructure raised serious questions. The catastrophic events of that fateful day served as a stark reminder of the importance of proper safety protocols and the assessment of maritime designs, as the calls for reform in yacht manufacturing and operational guidelines grow louder.
Captain Andrew Moll, chief inspector for the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, stated, “The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over.” Once the yacht tipped beyond 70 degrees, it was deemed irretrievable. The investigation also noted the yacht's single towering mast, one of the tallest in the world, as a significant factor in its susceptibility to capsizing. Unlike others of its kind, the Bayesian had a unique single-mast design, which compromised its stability in adverse weather conditions.
The yacht's manufacturer, Perini Navi, had claimed the Bayesian was "unsinkable" when operated properly. However, experts reviewing the investigation cast doubt on both the yacht's design and its stability, suggesting that the balance of the boat and its superstructure raised serious questions. The catastrophic events of that fateful day served as a stark reminder of the importance of proper safety protocols and the assessment of maritime designs, as the calls for reform in yacht manufacturing and operational guidelines grow louder.
