The British superyacht, Bayesian, which tragically sank off the coast of Sicily last August, resurfaced for the first time on Friday as salvage teams prepared to bring it ashore for further investigation. The recovery operation initiated by TMC Maritime involved gradually bringing the yacht, which rests approximately 50 metres below the surface, to a position where lifting straps could be secured. The operation’s full recovery was scheduled to commence on Saturday morning local time.
Visible for the first time since the incident was the accommodation area of the yacht, where passengers would have been seated. The Bayesian sank on August 19 during a severe storm, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including UK tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his daughter. Despite the tragic events, fifteen people survived the ordeal, which included the captain and the crew, with the exception of the chef.
At the time of its sinking, the vessel was hit by winds exceeding 70 knots (130 km/h), causing it to capsise almost instantaneously. The British investigators had stated that the yacht had sought shelter at the site where it sank, which was thought to be safe from the forecast thunderstorms.
As part of the ongoing retrieval efforts, the yacht was seen missing its 72-metre mast, which had been intentionally cut to facilitate the recovery process. A comprehensive criminal investigation by Italian authorities is under way to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The recovery team has worked diligently to ensure the yacht is brought up in a manner that allows for thorough examination and analysis of the wreck, as this incident has raised significant concerns about safety protocols in extreme weather conditions at sea.
The Bayesian’s sinking has garnered substantial attention, particularly due to the prominent individuals involved and the circumstances leading to the disaster. The ongoing investigation aims not only to uncover the causes of the sinking but also to enhance maritime safety measures to prevent future tragedies.