The tragic sinking of the Bayesian superyacht near Sicily last year, which resulted in the loss of seven lives, has been attributed to a powerful gust of wind, according to a new report from British maritime authorities. The investigation details a critical moment when a young deckhand, instead of alerting the captain about the incoming storm, opted to share a video of the squall on social media. This decision led to catastrophic consequences as the yacht, designed by Perini Navi, capsized within minutes after the captain was alerted.
“Evidence indicates that the extreme wind encountered by the Bayesian was enough to force the yacht over,” commented Capt. Andrew Moll, who heads the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. Once the vessel tilted beyond a crucial angle of 70 degrees, there was no chance of recovery, leading to chaos as passengers and crew searched for safety in the darkening cabins.
The report underscored the superyacht's signature characteristic—a massive single mast, one of the world's tallest—as a significant factor in its vulnerability to capsizing under adverse conditions. Prior investigations, including one by The New York Times, supported these findings, emphasizing that similar vessels in the Bayesian's design series were constructed with two masts, thus enhancing their stability.
Perini Navi asserted that the yacht was designed to be "unsinkable" under proper operating conditions. However, external experts reviewing the agency's report pointed out potential issues with the yacht’s stability, raising concerns about its ballast and overall structure. With the tragic incident serving as a stark warning, discussions about the safety and design of high-performance yachts are more crucial than ever.
