The wreck of the luxurious superyacht Bayesian has been brought to dry land in Sicily after a challenging recovery operation. This yacht, valued at $30 million, sank during a storm last summer, tragically resulting in the deaths of seven people on board, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his teenage daughter.
The recovery effort was initiated to allow Italian prosecutors to examine the wreck as part of their investigation into the incident. The Bayesian was raised from the seabed in a meticulous operation that began in May but faced delays due to safety concerns after a diver was killed in an underwater explosion. The team switched to using remote-controlled submersibles to continue the salvage work safely.
Once the yacht was lifted, it was transported approximately 10 miles to the port of Termini Imerese. There, it was placed in a metal cradle to dry out before forensic examinations begin. Experts are eager to inspect the wreck for clues about why the yacht sank so quickly when other smaller vessels in the area survived the storm.
The storm struck on August 19, 2022, while the yacht was anchored near Porticello. Prosecutors have launched a criminal inquiry into potential manslaughter and negligence, stating that the sinking was "completely unpredictable." They have emphasized the importance of examining the wreck to uncover what went wrong.
As investigators look into this tragic event, they are particularly focused on understanding how water entered the yacht. Initial reports suggest that the Bayesian, with its large single mast, may have been more vulnerable to high winds than the crew realized. Statements from those involved indicated that all hatches and doors were shut as the storm approached, raising further questions about the circumstances of the sinking.
Three crew members, including the captain, are currently under investigation. The prosecution has not disclosed many details, but they plan to explore whether human error or design flaws contributed to the disaster.
Lawyers for the families of the victims view this phase of the investigation as critical. They believe that examining the wreck will provide vital evidence regarding how the yacht sank and what safety measures were in place. This inquiry aims to prevent similar accidents in the future and ensure accountability for the lives lost in this tragedy.