Italian authorities have launched a manslaughter investigation following the tragic sinking of the superyacht Bayesian off the coast of Sicily, an incident that claimed the lives of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others earlier this week. The probe, led by prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio, has raised serious questions about the actions of the yacht's crew and the handling of the vessel, which may have contributed to the fatal disaster.
In a statement announcing the investigation, Cartosio emphasized that the focus is on potential negligence rather than on any specific individual. "There are many possibilities for culpability. It could be just the captain. It could be the whole crew. It could be the guard. We are evaluating all of the factors to see whose behavior fault can be assigned to," he explained. The prosecutor's office has filed a dossier alleging negligent shipwreck and manslaughter, but no charges have yet been filed against any particular person.
The Bayesian, a British-flagged vessel, was carrying 22 passengers and crew members when it sank on Monday during what was initially believed to be a violent storm. However, investigators have since determined that the weather alone was not the cause of the sinking. Instead, the investigation has shifted its focus to the conduct of the crew and the decisions made in handling the ship.
The tragic event unfolded quickly, with the yacht's mast, one of the tallest in the world, breaking in half during the storm, leading to the vessel's rapid descent. Seven bodies were recovered over the course of four days, with divers working at depths of nearly 50 meters (160 feet) to retrieve the victims. Among the dead was Mike Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, who was the last to be found.
Other victims included Jonathan Bloomer, director of Morgan Stanley International, and his wife Judy; prominent American lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda; and the yacht's onboard chef, Recaldo Thomas. While Italian authorities have identified those missing, they have yet to release formal identifications from the coroner's report.
Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano, speaking alongside Cartosio, noted that those who perished were likely asleep when the disaster struck, which may explain why they were unable to escape. However, he added that not all bodies were found in their designated quarters, leaving some uncertainty about the exact circumstances of their deaths.
The sinking of the Bayesian has shocked the international community, particularly given the high-profile nature of the victims. While initial reports suggested that the yacht might have been struck by a waterspout-a type of tornado over water-the investigation is now examining whether there were other contributing factors, particularly related to the crew's actions.
Cartosio indicated that the captain of the yacht, New Zealander James Cutfield, has already been questioned extensively and has been "extremely cooperative." Further questioning of the captain and crew is expected as the investigation progresses. Although there is no legal obligation for the captain, crew, or passengers to remain in Italy, authorities have expressed hope that they will fully cooperate with the ongoing inquiry.
The investigation has also raised questions about the weather conditions leading up to the incident. Despite forecasts indicating potential bad weather, there was reportedly "great visibility" at the time of the sinking, and no extreme weather conditions were anticipated. This discrepancy has led prosecutors to scrutinize the crew's preparedness and response to the situation.
The Bayesian disaster has prompted widespread media coverage, particularly due to the involvement of Lynch, often dubbed "Britain's Bill Gates" for his influence in the tech industry. His death, alongside those of his associates and their partners, has cast a shadow over the superyacht community and sparked calls for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability.
