The sinking of British tech billionaire Mike Lynch's yacht off the coast of Sicily has left seven people dead and raised questions about maritime safety.
According to Reuters, crew members have now shared their accounts of the disaster, describing their efforts to save passengers as the vessel succumbed to a sudden storm.
The incident, which occurred on August 19, has prompted an investigation into potential manslaughter charges against the captain and two crew members. Matthew Griffiths, who was on watch duty when the storm hit, told investigators that the crew did everything in their power to rescue those on board the Bayesian.
The yacht, anchored off the Sicilian port of Porticello, encountered severe weather conditions that led to its rapid sinking. Italian prosecutors suspect a 'downburst' - an intense downdraft of air - may have been responsible for the vessel's demise.
Griffiths recounted the moments leading up to the disaster, explaining how he alerted the captain when wind speeds reached 20 knots. He described the chaotic scene as the ship tilted, throwing occupants into the water. Despite the perilous conditions, crew members managed to rescue some passengers, including a mother and her one-year-old daughter.
The boat's captain, James Cutfield, reportedly saved the young child and her mother during the rescue efforts. However, Cutfield has since exercised his right to remain silent when questioned by prosecutors, with his lawyers citing exhaustion and the need for more time to prepare a defense.
Ship engineer Tim Parker Eaton provided additional details about the yacht's condition at the time of the incident. He stated that all doors and hatches were closed when the storm struck, except for one leading to the engine room. Parker Eaton noted that this open door was on the opposite side of the tilting vessel and likely did not contribute to its sinking.
Italian authorities have placed Griffiths, Cutfield, and Parker Eaton under investigation for potential manslaughter and shipwreck.
Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano has suggested that a "downburst" - a powerful downward wind - may have been the primary factor in the yacht's sinking. This theory is being explored as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragedy.
The rapid sinking of the Bayesian has puzzled naval experts, who believe a vessel of its caliber should have been able to withstand the storm conditions. The yacht, built by Italian high-end manufacturer Perini, was not expected to succumb so quickly to adverse weather.
Prosecutors in Termini Imerese, near Palermo, have cautioned that their investigation will take considerable time. One of the main challenges is that the wreck has yet to be salvaged from the sea, which is crucial for a thorough examination of the vessel.
The sinking of the Bayesian resulted in seven fatalities, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch. In total, there were 15 survivors of the wreck, a testament to the crew's rescue efforts under extreme circumstances.
In conclusion, the sinking of Mike Lynch's yacht off Sicily has left seven dead and many questions unanswered. Crew members have recounted their efforts to save passengers during the sudden storm. Italian authorities are investigating the captain and two crew members for potential manslaughter charges. The cause of the sinking, suspected to be a 'downburst,' is still under investigation. As the wreck remains unsalvaged, the full investigation is expected to take considerable time.
