The luxurious superyacht known as the Bayesian has been raised from its watery grave off the coast of Sicily, nearly a year after a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of seven lives among the 22 people onboard. This significant recovery was announced by Italian authorities, marking a crucial step in ongoing investigations led by the local prosecutor's office.
The Bayesian, measuring 56 meters (183 feet), was owned by British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, who tragically died in the sinking alongside his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, and five other passengers. The vessel sank on August 19 of last year while anchored near Porticello, a small fishing village. Eyewitnesses reported watching the yacht disappear into the ocean in mere minutes due to severe weather conditions.
Recent investigations have unearthed alarming details about the yacht's structural vulnerabilities. A report from the UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) revealed that the crew was unaware of the dangerous consequences that wind speeds exceeding 73 mph could have on the boat's stability. The MAIB indicated that gusts of over 80 mph struck the yacht when it capsized, causing it to flood rapidly.
As the recuperation process proceeded, cranes lifted the badly damaged hull of the yacht for thorough inspections. Images captured during the operation show the yacht coated in mud, with its name barely visible on the stern. Once the necessary checks are conducted, the Bayesian will be transported to the port of Termini Imerese, where prosecutors can further investigate the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
The salvage operation has faced difficulties, including a recent tragic incident in which a diver lost his life while working to raise the yacht. Nonetheless, investigators stress that recovering the vessel is crucial for the comprehensive understanding of the factors that led to the sinking.
Among the victims of this maritime tragedy were notable figures, including Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judy Bloomer, and US lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda Morvillo. Fifteen individuals, including Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, were fortunate to be rescued from the fateful sinking.
As the investigation unfolds and more details are uncovered from the recovery of the Bayesian, numerous questions remain regarding safety standards and operational protocols in the luxury yacht sector. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of maritime navigation amid unpredictable weather conditions.