Seven people have tragically lost their lives after the UK-flagged Bayesian yacht sank off the coast of Palermo, Sicily. The luxury superyacht was carrying 22 people when a heavy storm hit, causing waterspouts to form and ultimately leading to the sinking of the vessel.
Italian authorities are currently investigating the incident, trying to determine what exactly went wrong. Speculation has arisen, with fingers being pointed at the captain, the crew, and potential faults with the yacht itself. However, experts suggest that this may have been a “black swan” occurrence of freak weather, where no one is necessarily at fault.
Key questions that investigators will be asking include the position of the boat’s keel at the time of the incident. The keel, a crucial part of the boat that helps maintain stability, will be closely examined to understand if it was retracted when it shouldn’t have been. Additionally, the actions taken by the crew before and during the storm will be scrutinized to determine if proper safety measures were in place.
The speed at which the boat sank is also a point of interest, with experts suggesting that water likely entered the vessel rapidly, causing it to capsize within minutes. The possibility of a waterspout playing a role in the sinking is being considered, as witnesses reported seeing one form during the storm.
As investigations continue, the Italian police have confirmed that no charges have been brought yet. The yacht’s captain, crew members, and passengers have been questioned, and a broad investigation is underway to explore all possible angles. Despite the tragic outcome, it is believed that this may have been a freak weather accident that no one could have predicted or prevented.
