A superyacht, the Bayesian, has been raised from the seabed near Sicily, triggering a renewed focus on the tragedy that claimed seven lives over nine months ago.
Bayesian Superyacht Rescued from Sicilian Seabed Nearly a Year After Tragedy
Bayesian Superyacht Rescued from Sicilian Seabed Nearly a Year After Tragedy
Luxury vessel's recovery elicits mixed emotions as investigations continue into disaster.
The luxury yacht, known as the Bayesian, has been successfully lifted from its submerged resting place off the coast of Sicily, nearly a year after its disastrous sinking that resulted in the loss of seven lives among the 22 individuals on board. Italian officials announced today that the yacht will be held aloft by crane for a series of inspections, as mandated by the public prosecutor's office. After these examinations are complete, the yacht will be completely removed from the water.
The Bayesian was owned by British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, who tragically perished in the incident alongside his daughter, Hannah, aged 18, and five others. An investigation that was ongoing revealed that neither Mr. Lynch nor the crew had been informed of certain vulnerabilities of the yacht, particularly that wind speeds exceeding 73 mph posed a significant threat to its stability.
Recent footage of the salvage operation depicts the yacht's hull, measuring 56 meters (183 feet), hoisted from the ocean floor, appearing extensively damaged and encrusted with mud. The name "Bayesian" is barely discernible on the yacht's stern as it breaks the water's surface. The vessel is slated to be transported to Termini Imerese, a nearby port where investigators are analyzing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Previous salvage attempts faced delays following the unfortunate death of a diver involved in the operation last month. In a report released in May, the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) confirmed that the Bayesian faced extreme winds that could lead to its capsize, with conditions reaching over 80 mph during the incident. This report, however, was limited due to a lack of access to the wreck at the time.
Authorities in both the UK and Italy have emphasized the significance of raising the vessel in order to obtain a complete understanding of the events that transpired. The Bayesian had been anchored near Porticello, a small fishing village, when it sank in the early hours of August 19 last year, disappearing remarkably quickly amid severe weather conditions. Among the deceased were prominent figures, including Mr. Lynch, his daughter, and other British nationals, as well as individuals from the US and Antigua. Of the 22 onboard, 15 people, including Mr. Lynch's wife Angela Bacares, survived.
The Bayesian was owned by British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, who tragically perished in the incident alongside his daughter, Hannah, aged 18, and five others. An investigation that was ongoing revealed that neither Mr. Lynch nor the crew had been informed of certain vulnerabilities of the yacht, particularly that wind speeds exceeding 73 mph posed a significant threat to its stability.
Recent footage of the salvage operation depicts the yacht's hull, measuring 56 meters (183 feet), hoisted from the ocean floor, appearing extensively damaged and encrusted with mud. The name "Bayesian" is barely discernible on the yacht's stern as it breaks the water's surface. The vessel is slated to be transported to Termini Imerese, a nearby port where investigators are analyzing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Previous salvage attempts faced delays following the unfortunate death of a diver involved in the operation last month. In a report released in May, the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) confirmed that the Bayesian faced extreme winds that could lead to its capsize, with conditions reaching over 80 mph during the incident. This report, however, was limited due to a lack of access to the wreck at the time.
Authorities in both the UK and Italy have emphasized the significance of raising the vessel in order to obtain a complete understanding of the events that transpired. The Bayesian had been anchored near Porticello, a small fishing village, when it sank in the early hours of August 19 last year, disappearing remarkably quickly amid severe weather conditions. Among the deceased were prominent figures, including Mr. Lynch, his daughter, and other British nationals, as well as individuals from the US and Antigua. Of the 22 onboard, 15 people, including Mr. Lynch's wife Angela Bacares, survived.
