Recovery Efforts Set to Commence for Mike Lynch's Superyacht Linked to Tragic Incident

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Efforts are ramping up to retrieve the wreck of the Bayesian, a luxury yacht that tragically sank off northern Sicily in August 2024, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including British tech mogul Mike Lynch and his daughter.

The operation to lift the vessel is set to kick off within two weeks.

Measuring 56 meters (about 184 feet) with an remarkable 72-meter mast, Bayesian was docked near Porticello when it likely faced a fierce downburst—a sudden and intense downward wind—early on August 19. The yacht capsized from its stern and submerged in just 16 minutes.

Among those who lost their lives were Lynch, his daughter Hannah, and cook Recaldo Thomas.Fortunately, Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares along with six other passengers and all nine crew members managed to survive this harrowing incident.

Since then, the yacht has been resting on its side at a depth of approximately 49 meters underwater. The wreck has garnered global attention not only due to Lynch’s high profile—often likened to “Britain’s Bill Gates”—but also because many are questioning how such a modern vessel could sink so swiftly.Constructed in 2008 by Perini Navi—a luxury yacht builder now part of Italian Sea Group—the Bayesian weighed around 534 tonnes. Marine experts assert that such a well-crafted ship should have weathered rough conditions better then it did; they’re puzzled by its rapid descent into the depths.

The salvage operation is being spearheaded by TMC Marine from the UK. They’ve teamed up with Dutch companies HEBO Maritiemservice and Smit Salvage for this task. To facilitate lifting operations safely, they plan to remove the towering mast frist.

TMC Marine announced that depending on sea conditions, they will proceed methodically: starting with cutting down the mast before righting and finally raising the yacht itself—a process expected to unfold over about ten days.

Preparations are already taking place at sea from a sizable floating platform measuring around 700 square meters. An underwater drone is currently inspecting both the wreckage and checking tanks still filled with roughly 18,000 liters of diesel fuel.

Once raised from its watery grave, Bayesian will be transported using one of Europe’s most powerful floating cranes—the HEBO Lift 10—and then taken about 40 kilometers eastward to Termini Imerese port near Palermo for further examination.

Italian authorities have launched an investigation into what led to this disaster focusing particularly on three crew members who may face manslaughter charges: Captain James Cutfield; sailor Timothy parker Eaton; and night watchman Matthew Griffiths.

Prosecutors allege that griffiths might not have noticed deteriorating weather conditions soon enough while Eaton reportedly reacted too late after spotting water entering through the stern without alerting Cutfield instantly. Meanwhile, Cutfield himself is under scrutiny for allegedly failing to take necessary actions during this crisis or adequately warn passengers about impending danger—all three have yet to publicly address these allegations.

Recently in Porticello lawyers alongside technical experts convened regarding recovery efforts as part of ongoing investigations into this tragedy. A representative for cook Recaldo Thomas’ family mentioned that while recovering evidence might not conclude inquiries entirely—it remains crucial nonetheless.

Additionally revealed was data retrieved from onboard systems—including video footage—that will be shared among legal teams come June.

Giovanni Costantino CEO of Italian Sea Group dismissed any claims regarding design flaws as causes behind sinking instead attributing it solely towards “indescribable errors” made by crew members stating water ingress occurred but specifics would emerge through investigation findings.Interestingly enough another nearby yacht weathered similar stormy conditions unscathed; its captain reported witnessing Bayesian capsize dramatically within moments.

Reference: Reuters