Sicily’s salvage experts recover the sunken superyacht Bayesian.
Tragic Sinking of the “Bayesian” Luxury Yacht
Key Facts
- Victims: UK tech mogul Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, and five other passengers.
- Date: 19 August 2024.
- Location: Off the coast on the high‑end vessel named Bayesian.
- Cause: Initial investigations suggest a sudden structural failure.
Community Response
The incident has stirred an outpouring of sorrow and concerns over luxury yacht safety standards. Officials are working on a comprehensive review to prevent future tragedies.
Official Statements
- Port Authority: “We are dedicating full resources to identify the root causes of the disaster.”
- Industry Association: “Safety protocols must be reinforced across all high‑end vessels.”
What Happens Next
Rescue teams recovered the bodies, and a forensic board is now examining the vessel’s design and maintenance records. The public is requested to exercise caution when chartering high‑profile yachts.
Marine Salvage Commences: Retrieval of Superyacht Bayesian
Background of the Incident
On 19 August 2024, the 56‑metre Bayesian, a British‑flagged superyacht, tragically sank off Sicily. The disaster left UK technology entrepreneur Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, and five additional crew members dead.
Operation Details
Italian coast‑guard officials are overseeing the salvage effort, establishing a security perimeter to safeguard all personnel involved.
“By deploying underwater teams and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), we will conduct the necessary preparations for the vessel’s lift during the first week,” explained Captain Nicola Silvestri of the Coast Guard.
Equipment Used
Europe’s premier maritime crane, Hebo Lift 10, arrived last Saturday at Termini Imerese from Rotterdam, Netherlands, ready for deployment.
Team Composition
- ~70 marine specialists from throughout Europe
- ~12 logistics and marine experts stationed onshore
Timeline
The initial phase, lasting about a week, will focus on preparation. The actual surfacing of the yacht will occur in a subsequent stage of the operation.
Underwater Inspection of the British Superyacht “Ba” Near Palermo
On Sunday, May 4, 2025, the multi‑purpose floating work barge Hebo Lift 2 positioned itself off Porticello, just north of Palermo, Sicily, to monitor the stretch of sea where the British superyacht “Ba” is currently lying.
Key Elements of the Mission
- Location: Porticello, near Palermo, Sicily.
- Date and Time: Sunday, May 4, 2025.
- Asset Being Examined: British superyacht “Ba.”
- Inspection Goal: Assess the yacht’s hull, which sits 49 m beneath the sea surface.
Strategic Modification of the Yacht
To facilitate the re‑formation of the hull, the superyacht’s 75‑metre aluminium mast—currently the second tallest in the world—will be carefully cut. This step will enable the hull to be lifted to the surface more efficiently during the ongoing operation.
The tragic sinking of the Bayesian
Sudden Loss of the Superyacht “Bayesian” Near Palermo
On the early morning of 19 August 2023, the 473 000‑kilogram maxi‑yacht Bayesian tragically sank after merely sixteen minutes at sea, a few hours before dawn.
Location and Immediate Circumstances
- Anchored 300 metres from the small fishing harbour of Porticello
- Porticello lies approximately 15 kilometres east of the city of Palermo
Crew, Passengers and Losses
There were 12 passengers and 10 crew members aboard the vessel.
- Only seven individuals remained aboard as the yacht began taking on water.
- Fifteen people managed to evacuate into a life raft with assistance from nearby vessels.
- The rest were unable to leave and perished in the disaster.
The final survivors that did not escape were:
- UK technology entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his 18‑year‑old daughter Hannah – both fatalities.
- Former Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy – both deceased.
- Attorney Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda – also lost.
- Ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas – fatality.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
Search operations continued until 23 August, during which six missing bodies were retrieved. A seventh body had already been recovered during the first emergency response after the sinking.
Italian prosecutors are currently examining the circumstances that led to the loss. They are also contemplating potential charges against the vessel’s captain and two crew members for possible negligence.
