The superyacht Bayesian, owned by British technology magnate Mike Lynch, which tragically sank off the coast of Sicily last year, was likely toppled over by extreme wind gusts exceeding 117 km per hour, according to an interim report from the UK released on Thursday. The incident resulted in the loss of seven lives, including that of Mr. Lynch himself.
Reports from Britain’s Marine Accident Investigations Branch suggest that the 56-meter-long yacht was docked near Porticello, close to Palermo, when it was struck by an unusually powerful downdraft. This forced the Bayesian onto its side, causing it to rapidly take on water. Despite being described as ‘virtually unsinkable’ by the boat’s manufacturer, the vessel succumbed to the harsh sea conditions, sinking within approximately 18 minutes of the initial gusts.
The investigation unveiled that with the yacht’s retractable keel raised, wind speeds on the beam exceeding 117 km per hour were potent enough to topple the vessel. Furthermore, the report suggested that the yacht could have been susceptible to even lower wind speeds. This vulnerability, however, was not accounted for in the yacht’s onboard stability information book and, consequently, was unknown to the owner or the crew.
The report highlights the role of the 72m aluminum mast, the world’s tallest, which seems to have doubled the force that forced the yacht onto its side. The untimely sinking of the Bayesian sent shockwaves through both the local community and the European sailing community at large.
During the disastrous incident, Lynch and his companions were celebrating his recent acquittal on 15 counts of fraud. Among those onboard were Lynch’s family members, friends, and colleagues who had supported him through his U.S. trial, including his lawyer and a banker, Jonathan Bloomer. Tragically, Lynch’s daughter also lost her life in the incident.
The report detailed a sudden spike in wind speed forcing the superyacht to heel over to 90 degrees in under 15 seconds. Water swiftly entered the vessel over the starboard rails and down the stairwells. Approximately 18 minutes later, the Bayesian sank into the 50-meter-deep sea.
The Bayesian was constructed in 2008 by Italian luxury yacht maker Perini Navi and was considered by many as one of the safest boats in the world. Perini Navi has yet to comment on the UK report.
An Italian investigation into the incident continues. British investigators caution that circumstances could change as more evidence is gathered and once the wreck has been examined. The yacht remains on the seabed, with a salvage operation set to resume on Thursday following the tragic loss of a diver during preliminary efforts to lift the vessel last week.
As we await further details, this tragic tale serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the sea and the importance of thorough safety measures, even on the most seemingly invincible vessels. We’ll continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available.