Italian authorities have expanded their investigation into the tragic sinking of the yacht Bayesian, which claimed the lives of seven individuals, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch. The yacht went down off the northern coast of Sicily on August 19, amidst a fierce pre-dawn storm.
The investigation now encompasses two crew members—ship engineer Tim Parker Eaton and sailor Matthew Griffith—along with the yacht’s captain, New Zealand national James Cutfield. Being under investigation is a standard procedural measure and does not imply charges at this stage.
Reports indicate that the yacht capsized rapidly within minutes of the storm’s onset while anchored. Cutfield is said to be facing scrutiny for manslaughter and the shipwreck incident. During questioning, he opted to remain silent, with his legal representative stating that the captain needed more time to prepare a thorough defense due to a lack of information.
Eaton, responsible for securing the yacht’s engine room and operational systems, and Griffith, who was on watch duty during the night of the incident, are also being investigated. Experts are puzzled by the sinking, as a yacht of the Bayesian’s quality, constructed by renowned Italian builder Perini, should have withstood such conditions.
Prosecutors in Termini Imerese have stated that the investigation will be extensive and will require the salvage of the wreckage, which currently lies on its side at approximately 50 meters deep. The head of the yacht’s construction company suggested that multiple errors might have occurred on board, including potentially leaving a hatch open and failing to adequately prepare the vessel for the storm.
The Italian Coast Guard has been actively monitoring the site to prevent environmental damage from possible hydrocarbon spills, confirming no current leaks or oil pollution from the wreckage.
