Prosecutors Launch Manslaughter Probe into Yacht Sinking That Killed 7

Italian authorities have launched an investigation into the tragic sinking of the luxury yacht Bayesian, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch. Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio announced on Saturday that this investigation will explore whether the circumstances surrounding the incident could amount to manslaughter. At this point, there are no specific individuals being targeted in the inquiry.

The Bayesian sank off the coast of Porticello, close to Palermo, Sicily, after being caught in an unexpected storm early Monday morning. Among the fifteen people rescued from the sea were Lynch’s wife and the yacht owner, Angela Bacares.

In the days following the incident, a search operation recovered the bodies of seven victims, including Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, and American lawyer Christopher Morvillo alongside his wife Neda. Other deceased individuals included Morgan Stanley executive Jonathan Bloomer and his spouse Judy, as well as Recaldo Thomas, the ship’s chef. Notably, Lynch had recently faced a fraud trial in the U.S. and was acquitted; Morvillo had represented him, while Bloomer had testified in his favor.

In an effort to determine what led to the sinking, investigators are planning to raise the wreck of the yacht, which currently rests on its side at a depth of approximately 160 feet. Prosecutor Cartosio emphasized that salvaging the vessel is in the best interest of its owners and managers. While the investigation may eventually focus on individuals, it remains in its early stages.

The event has raised concerns among naval analysts, who are baffled by the yacht’s sinking as it should have been able to withstand a storm of this nature. Notably, no other nearby boats reported any damage from the weather conditions that day.

Authorities have already questioned several survivors, including the yacht’s captain, James Cutfield, about the events leading to the disaster. According to prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano, Cutfield has been “extremely cooperative” during this process. However, he has not come forward publicly to share his perspective on the incident.

Legal experts have suggested that the consequences of this tragedy could potentially lead to lawsuits and criminal charges directed at Cutfield. Mitchell Stoller, a maritime expert and captain, emphasized that it was Cutfield’s responsibility to keep a close watch on weather conditions and ensure the yacht was adequately maneuvered rather than remaining anchored during the storm. Preliminary statements from Italian authorities indicate that the Bayesian was likely anchored prior to the sinking.

The investigation continues as authorities try to uncover the precise reasons for the yacht’s sinking. Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns the yacht’s manufacturer, remarked that the sinking resulted from “indescribable, unreasonable errors” made by the crew rather than any inherent design flaws in the vessel itself.

In a further look into the incident, Cammarano pointed out that many passengers may have been asleep at the moment the storm hit, which could explain why some victims struggled to escape. Reports suggest that the bodies of several victims were discovered on the left side of the yacht, implying they may have attempted to find air pockets as the vessel went down, according to Girolamo Bentivoglio Fiandra of Palermo’s Fire Brigade.

The authorities remain committed to a thorough investigation to provide clarity on the events that led to this tragic loss of life. As the inquiry proceeds, the focus will remain on understanding how such an incident could have occurred.

Source: USA Today