The recovery operation marks a significant moment in an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the June 19th tragedy. Italian officials confirmed that the luxury vessel, which belonged to British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, will undergo extensive inspections mandated by the prosecutor's office. The yacht, which measures 56 meters (183 feet), was lifted from the seabed this past week, displaying extensive damage and mud accumulation as it was hoisted above the water’s surface. It is scheduled to be transported to the port of Termini Imerese for further investigation.
Tragically, Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, were among the victims who lost their lives during the incident. Alongside them were six others, including notable figures such as Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and his wife, Judy. A prior investigation by the UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) revealed that the crew was not aware of critical vulnerabilities in the yacht's design, particularly its susceptibility to capsizing when wind speeds exceeded 73mph.
The MAIB report indicated that winds exceeding 80mph impacted the Bayesian during its final moments, causing the vessel to fill with water within mere seconds. Until the vessel's recovery, investigators lacked access to direct evidence from the wreckage. The raising of the yacht is now seen as essential for a comprehensive understanding of the tragic event, as they continue to unravel the causes of the sinking.
Prior attempts to recover the vessel faced delays, including a tragic incident in which a diver lost his life during salvage operations. Witnesses have recounted the moment the yacht sank, describing it as vanishing within minutes amid freak weather conditions. While 15 individuals, including Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued, the recovery of the Bayesian marks a pivotal step toward closure for the families affected by this maritime disaster.
