The hull of the superyacht Bayesian emerged from the Mediterranean Sea on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the investigation into its sinking off the coast of Sicily ten months prior. The yacht, valued at $40 million and owned by British tech entrepreneur Michael Lynch, sank during a storm in August, leading to the tragic loss of seven lives, including Lynch and his teenage daughter, Hannah.
As investigators from Italy and the UK examine the shipwreck, they hope the recovery will yield crucial evidence about the factors contributing to the disaster. Despite being branded "unsinkable" by its builders, the luxurious vessel capsized in rough seas, while a nearby converted tugboat endured the gale without incident.
Since the accident, speculation regarding the causes has intensified. The yacht's manufacturing company alleges that the crew may have overlooked critical safety protocols. An initial inquiry by British maritime authorities indicates that a sudden gust of wind might have overturned the Bayesian. The vessel’s towering single mast, one of the tallest globally, has been identified as a possible risk factor for capsizing in turbulent conditions, a conclusion echoed by a New York Times investigation last year.
During the recovery, which took place 50 yards beneath the surface, six of the seven deceased were found inside the hull. The visibility of the deck, vents, and railings provided a fleeting glimpse into the site of the tragedy, prompting continued efforts by authorities to piece together the events surrounding that fateful night.
