Investigation into Fatal Bayesain Sinking Continues

The 56-meter (184-foot) Perini Navi sailing superyacht Bayesian is now ashore at the port of Termini Imerese, Sicily, following a complex lifting operation. The yacht, which tragically sank in August of last year, resulted in the deaths of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, and five other individuals.

Recovery and Ongoing Investigations

The Bayesian will be securely placed in a specially constructed steel cradle at the port. This crucial step allows Italian and UK marine authorities to continue their thorough investigations into the cause of the loss. Notably, the Italian authorities will also be conducting a full criminal inquiry into the incident.

The physical raising of the yacht from the seabed, approximately 50 meters (164 feet) below the surface, was a three-day endeavor. It involved a precise operation utilizing a series of slings, harnesses, and lifting straps. Before the lift, the yacht's impressive 72-meter (236-foot) mast—one of the largest in the world—was carefully removed and left on the seabed for later retrieval.

The Cause: Extreme Weather

British marine investigators issued an interim report last month, attributing the sinking to an "extreme wind." The report details that wind speeds reportedly exceeded 70 knots (81 mph), striking the yacht around 4:00 AM. This extreme force caused the vessel to capsize to a 90-degree angle in less than 15 seconds, making it impossible to recover.