Crew Member Recounts Fatal Yacht Sinking Off Sicily Coast

In a recent development, a crew member from Mike Lynch's yacht has provided a detailed account of the tragic sinking incident off the coast of Sicily. The event, which occurred on August 19, 2024, resulted in the loss of seven lives, including that of the British tech tycoon.

Matthew Griffiths, who was on watch duty during the fateful night, shared his experience with investigators. According to reports from the Italian news agency Ansa, Griffiths stated:

"I woke up the captain when the wind was at 20 knots. He gave orders to wake everyone else. The ship tilted and we were thrown into the water. Then we managed to get back up and tried to rescue those we could."

The incident has led to an investigation by Italian authorities, with Griffiths, Captain James Cutfield, and ship engineer Tim Parker Eaton being placed under scrutiny for potential manslaughter and shipwreck charges. It's important to note that being investigated does not imply guilt or guarantee formal charges.

The yacht, named Bayesian, was anchored off the Sicilian port of Porticello when the disaster struck. Griffiths described the chaotic scene, saying, "We were walking on the walls (of the boat). We saved who we could, Cutfield also saved the little girl and her mother." In total, 15 individuals survived the wreck.

Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano suggested that the vessel was likely hit by a "downburst," an intense downward wind associated with thunderstorms. However, naval marine experts have expressed puzzlement over the incident, noting that a vessel like the Bayesian, built by the renowned Italian yacht manufacturer Perini Navi, should have been capable of withstanding such conditions.

The rapid sinking of the yacht has raised questions among experts, who are particularly concerned about how quickly the vessel went down. This aspect of the incident is likely to be a key focus of the ongoing investigation.

As the investigation continues, prosecutors in Termini Imerese, near Palermo, have stated that the process will take time. The wreck has yet to be salvaged from the sea, which may provide crucial evidence for understanding the cause of the tragedy.

This incident highlights the potential dangers of yachting, even with modern safety features. It serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols and the unpredictable nature of maritime conditions, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, which is known for its sudden and severe storms.

The yachting community and maritime safety experts will undoubtedly be following this investigation closely, as its findings could have significant implications for future yacht design and safety regulations. As the investigation unfolds, it may provide valuable insights that could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.