Italian authorities are intensifying their investigation into the tragic deaths of seven individuals aboard the yacht Bayesian, which sank off the coast of northern Sicily on August 19th. The final body from the yacht was recovered last Friday, bringing closure to the devastating incident.
The investigation now includes two crew members, ship engineer Tim Parker Eaton and sailor Matthew Griffith, in addition to the yacht’s captain, James Cutfield. Cutfield, a New Zealand national, has been placed under investigation for manslaughter and causing the shipwreck. During questioning, he chose to remain silent, citing the need to gather more information for his defense.
The sinking of the 56m yacht, owned by British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, has left naval experts puzzled as to why a vessel of such high caliber would succumb to a storm so quickly. The yacht, constructed by the prestigious Italian builder Perini, should have been able to withstand the inclement weather.
Prosecutors in Termini Imerese have indicated that the investigation will be thorough and lengthy, requiring the salvage of the wreckage. Giovanni Costantino, head of the company that built the Bayesian, believes there were multiple errors on board that led to the tragedy.
The Italian Coast Guard is also monitoring the environmental impact of the sinking, ensuring that there are no leaks from the tanks or oil pollution at the site. The yacht currently rests on its side at a depth of approximately 50m.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragic sinking of the Bayesian and the loss of seven lives.
