The wreck of the superyacht Bayesian, which tragically sank off the coast of Sicily nearly a year ago, has been brought to the surface. This marks the first time the inside of the vessel has been seen since it sank on August 19, 2024, claiming the lives of British billionaire Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, and five others.
The 56-meter yacht, registered under the British flag, sank near Porticello. Images released show the yacht’s interior, now resting in a specially made steel cradle in Termini Imerese. One photo reveals a lounge area with sofas and furniture, while another shows the hatch leading to the lower deck.
The recovery operation involved cutting off the yacht’s 72-meter mast, which was then lifted using a balloon-like device. The ship had been resting on the seabed at a depth of 50 meters. Salvage teams are currently conducting a thorough sweep of the nearby ocean floor, while a full examination of the yacht is underway to determine what went wrong.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is leading the investigation. They plan to analyze all factors that may have contributed to the tragedy, including safety features and escape routes on the yacht. A report detailing their findings will be published once the investigation is complete.
Among those who lost their lives was Recaldo Thomas, the yacht’s chef. His family has called for accountability, urging the investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident. They want to ensure that lessons are learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The inquest into the deaths of Mr. Lynch, his daughter, and other victims, including Morgan Stanley banker Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, is set to take place in the UK. A total of 15 people, including Mr. Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, survived the sinking.
This incident has raised numerous questions and concerns among maritime experts, and the investigation aims to provide clarity on the events leading up to the sinking.