Final Body Recovered from Sunken Superyacht Off Sicily Coast
Italian divers retrieved the last missing person from a luxury yacht that sank near Palermo. The incident, which claimed six lives, has puzzled experts and sparked an investigation into the cause of the sinking.
One year ago, a tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Sicily when the British-flagged luxury sailboat Bayesian sank in a pre-dawn storm. Today, Italian rescue divers have completed their mission by recovering the body of the last missing person, presumed to be Hannah Lynch, the 18-year-old daughter of British tech magnate Mike Lynch.
The 56-meter (184-foot) vessel, carrying 22 passengers and crew, capsized and rapidly sank near Porticello, a port close to Palermo. The wreck now lies at a depth of 50 meters, with its narrow passageways complicating rescue efforts. Over 400 individuals, including 28 specialist divers, participated in what officials described as "long and delicate" operations.
The recovery of the final body marks the end of a somber chapter that claimed six lives, including that of Mike Lynch and onboard chef Recaldo Thomas. The bodies of the other victims were retrieved earlier in the week.
Marine experts have been baffled by the sinking of the Bayesian, a vessel built by the renowned Italian yacht manufacturer Perini. Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group which owns Perini, attributed the incident to a series of "indescribable, unreasonable errors" made by the crew, dismissing any potential design or construction flaws.
A judicial investigation is underway to determine the cause of the sinking. The yacht's captain, James Cutfield, along with eight surviving crew members and passengers, have been questioned by authorities. Prosecutors are expected to hold a press conference to provide updates on the investigation.
The salvage operation for the Bayesian presents a significant challenge. Nick Sloane, the South African engineer who led the salvage of the Costa Concordia cruise liner in 2012, estimates the cost could reach up to 15 million euros ($16.7 million). The process, which may take 6-8 weeks, must be completed by mid-October and requires extreme caution to bring the yacht to the surface.
As the maritime community grapples with the implications of this tragedy, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea, even for vessels designed to withstand harsh conditions. The loss of life and the mysteries surrounding the sinking of the Bayesian continue to resonate, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures in luxury maritime travel.
"The recovery operation was one of the most challenging we've faced. The depth of the wreck and the confined spaces within the yacht made our work extremely difficult and dangerous."
The coming weeks will be crucial as investigators piece together the events leading to the Bayesian's sinking, while the maritime industry watches closely for lessons that may prevent future tragedies at sea.
