Italian special forces divers to comb sunken Bayesian superyacht for clues
12 September 2024, 09:13
Italian navy special forces divers are combing the sunken superyacht Bayesian for clues as to why it sunk, claiming seven lives during a storm off the coast of Sicily.
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The Italian Navy’s secretive Comsubin unit are coming the yacht for any electronic devices that might offer clues to why it sunk - as well as checking to see if any doors were left open on board.
A source close to the investigation told The Times: “The investigating magistrate has asked Comsubin to investigate so he can check statements made by the crew of the yacht.”
The yacht’s captain and two British crew members are under investigation after the boat sank on August 19.
The £30m vessel is now 50m down on the sea bed half a mile outside the fishing port of Porticello.
The victims’ bodies were recovered by divers from Italy’s fire fighting service.
Post-mortem examinations of victims of the Bayesian superyacht sinking showed drowning as the cause of death.
Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah were among those who died in the disaster
US lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda were also among the dead.
The post-mortem examinations were carried out by coroners designated by Palermo prosecutors, who confirmed the results.
Prosecutors are investigating the captain and two crew members for possible responsibility in connection with the sinking.
The 56-metre (184ft) British-flagged luxury yacht sank during what appears to have been a sudden downburst, or localised powerful wind from a thunderstorm that spreads rapidly after hitting the surface.
Fifteen people, including Mr Lynch's wife, were rescued.
Prosecutors said raising the Bayesian and examining the yacht for evidence would provide key elements to the investigation.
No timeline has been determined.
