Italian authorities have launched an investigation following the tragic sinking of a luxury yacht off Sicily’s coast, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals. The investigation includes potential charges of “shipwreck and manslaughter,” as officials seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
Ambrogio Cartosio, chief prosecutor in Termini Imerese, indicated that the inquiry is in its early stages and that no specific suspects have been identified. Among the deceased are UK tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, who were aboard the yacht, known as the Bayesian, when it capsized during a severe storm early Monday morning.
Originally thought to have sunk due to a waterspout, the Italian Air Force has since identified a localized powerful wind known as a downburst as the likely cause of the yacht’s sinking. The vessel sank stern-first and eventually rolled onto its side, prompting victims to seek refuge on the remaining side.
The bodies of other victims, including Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer and prominent lawyer Chris Morvillo, were retrieved following extensive underwater searches. Meanwhile, 15 individuals were rescued from the scene.
In a press conference, Cartosio highlighted the investigation’s focus on determining accountability among the captain, crew, and shipbuilder. He noted the possibility of manslaughter charges as more facts come to light.
Raffaele Cammarano, deputy prosecutor, confirmed the downburst’s role in the incident and reported that crews faced challenging conditions during their rescue efforts. Over 70 rescuers participated daily in the search operation, conducting more than 120 dives in poor visibility.
Efforts are underway to recover the yacht from its resting place on the sea floor, although a timeframe for this operation remains uncertain. Experts estimate that such a recovery could take up to eight weeks.
Passengers on the yacht were reportedly celebrating Lynch’s recent acquittal in a high-profile fraud case involving the sale of his software company. Friends and family members of the victims have expressed their profound grief and shared tributes to their legacies.
