A devastating storm has claimed the lives of six individuals after a luxury yacht, the Bayesian, capsized and sank off the coast of Italy. Grainy CCTV footage captures the harrowing moments as the vessel succumbed to the relentless waves, leading to a heart-wrenching search and recovery operation. The CEO of the yacht's builder has pointed the finger at the crew, alleging "indescribable, unreasonable errors" that contributed to the tragedy.
The maritime community is reeling from the sudden loss of six lives following the sinking of the Bayesian, a 183-foot superyacht, off the coast of northern Sicily. With 22 people on board, the vessel capsized within minutes of being hit by a predawn storm while anchored offshore. As rescue efforts continue, investigators seek answers to the cause of the tragedy.
Bayesian Yacht Tragedy: Crew Blamed for Catastrophic Sinking, Six Presumed Dead
Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which includes Perini Navi, the Italian high-end yacht maker that built the British-flagged Bayesian in 2008, has laid blame at the feet of the crew. He alleges a series of "indescribable, unreasonable errors" that led to the ship's demise.
Costantino claims the crew failed to prepare adequately for the storm, despite its inclusion in shipping forecasts. He emphasizes the importance of safety measures such as summoning passengers, securing hatches and doors, and lowering the keel to increase stability. He maintains that these procedures could have prevented the disaster.
Bayesian Yacht Tragedy: Crew Blamed for Catastrophic Sinking, Six Presumed Dead
Among the deceased was British tech billionaire Mike Lynch, who had recently been acquitted in a U.S. fraud case. Lynch and his associates were celebrating his acquittal aboard the Bayesian. Other missing individuals include his 18-year-old daughter Hannah; Christopher Morvillo, an American lawyer with Clifford Chance who defended Lynch; and Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, who testified in Lynch's defense.
Divers have been scouring the hull of the Bayesian, now resting 164 feet underwater, in search of the missing sixth person, believed to be a woman. The operation has transitioned to a recovery effort due to the lack of signs of life after three days of searching.
Bayesian Yacht Tragedy: Crew Blamed for Catastrophic Sinking, Six Presumed Dead
In a chilling revelation, a text message sent by onboard chef Recaldo Thomas prior to the sinking suggests that trouble was brewing. The message, obtained from social media, read: "I'm scared. The water is coming in." Thomas's body was later recovered on Monday.
Costantino has vehemently denied any design or construction flaws as contributing factors to the sinking. He cites the yacht's 16 years of trouble-free navigation, including through more severe weather conditions.
Bayesian Yacht Tragedy: Crew Blamed for Catastrophic Sinking, Six Presumed Dead
Italian authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the sinking of the Bayesian. They are examining the ship's logs, interviewing survivors, and analyzing the wreckage to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
The maritime community and families of the victims are in mourning following this tragic loss. The sinking of the Bayesian has raised questions about safety standards and the importance of crew preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.
Bayesian Yacht Tragedy: Crew Blamed for Catastrophic Sinking, Six Presumed Dead
