Investigators have concluded that the sinking of the Bayesian superyacht, which killed British billionaire Mike Lynch and six others, was not caused by the storm. The £30 million vessel sank off the coast of Sicily in August 2024, but the weather conditions were deemed manageable for the crew.
Weather Intensity Was Manageable
According to preliminary findings, the intensity of the weather amounted to 'little more than a squall, a sudden increase in wind speed that precedes thunderstorms and downpours.' This should have been manageable for the crew, and the yacht sank due to improper actions.
Prosecutors Consider Charges
Prosecutors are now considering whether to bring charges of manslaughter and negligent shipwreck against the captain and two crew members. The victims included Mike Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, the yacht's chef Recaldo Thomas, Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy Bloomer, and Lynch's lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo.
Angela Bacares, Lynch's wife, was rescued along with other survivors. The crew's actions are under scrutiny, particularly why most crew left the boat while guests remained, contrary to usual emergency procedures. Prosecutors are focusing on this aspect and want to determine how much the crew knew and whether passengers were adequately warned.
Legal Obligations and Ongoing Investigation
There is no legal obligation for the captain, crew, and passengers to stay in Italy, but prosecutors expect full cooperation. The yacht's owner, Italian Sea Group (TISG), has blamed the crew for the sinking and sued Lynch's widow for £400 million, claiming lost sales. TISG's majority owner, Giovanni Costantino, insisted the yacht was 'unsinkable' and that the 16-minute sinking time allowed ample opportunity for rescue.
The tragedy occurred after Lynch and his group were celebrating his acquittal on fraud charges in June 2024. The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine accountability for the disaster.
