Prosecutors Launch Manslaughter Investigation in Yacht Sinking that Killed 7

Authorities in Italy are launching an investigation into the recent sinking of the luxury yacht Bayesian, which resulted in the tragic deaths of seven individuals, including prominent British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch. This inquiry will explore the possibility of manslaughter, with the investigation still in its preliminary stages.

According to Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio, the investigation is not currently focused on any specific individuals. However, he noted that it is “plausible” that crimes related to manslaughter or negligence leading to a shipwreck may have occurred. The yacht sank off the coast near Porticello, close to Palermo, after being caught in an unexpected storm early on Monday morning.

A total of 15 people were rescued from the water, including Lynch’s wife and yacht owner Angela Bacares. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of seven bodies over several days. The deceased include Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, American lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda, Morgan Stanley executive Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, and Recaldo Thomas, who served as the ship’s chef. Notably, Lynch had recently been acquitted of fraud charges in the U.S., and Morvillo was one of his legal representatives, while Bloomer had served as a character witness in the trial.

Investigators are planning to raise the sunken yacht from its resting place approximately 160 feet below the surface. Cartosio emphasized that salvaging the vessel would be in the best interests of the ship’s owners and managers, indicating that the focus of the investigation may shift towards individuals as it progresses.

Naval experts remain baffled by the event, stating that the yacht should have been able to endure the storm it faced. Remarkably, no other nearby vessels reported any damage from the same weather conditions. Survivors, including the yacht’s captain James Cutfield, have been interviewed by officials, but have not publicly shared their accounts of the incident so far. Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano commented that Cutfield has been “extremely cooperative” throughout the investigation.

The incident raises the possibility of legal ramifications, including lawsuits and potentially criminal charges against Cutfield. Maritime expert Mitchell Stoller pointed out that it was Cutfield’s responsibility to monitor weather conditions and adequately prepare the yacht for any adverse weather, especially if it was anchored at the time the storm hit. Italian authorities have indicated that the yacht was likely anchored when the disaster occurred. There is currently no information regarding whether Cutfield has sought legal representation.

In further analysis, Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini—the manufacturer of the yacht—asserted that “indescribable, unreasonable errors” by the crew, rather than problems in the boat’s design, contributed to the sinking. Reports suggest that many passengers may have still been asleep when the storm impacted the yacht, a situation that might have limited their ability to escape. Bodies were located on the yacht’s left side, indicating that the victims may have tried to find air pockets as it submerged.

The full investigation into the sinking is ongoing, as authorities seek to uncover the exact circumstances that led to this maritime tragedy. With multiple lives lost, the urgency of determining accountability and safeguarding future boating ventures has intensified among experts and officials alike.

Source: USA Today