In a complex salvage operation, which was delayed several times due to the complexity of the manoeuvreThe hull was raised to the surface from a depth of around 50 metres. The recovery marks an important milestone in the ongoing investigations into the tragic accident, whose course is described in detail in a recently published preliminary investigation report. The lifted wreck will now be stabilised on the surface before "Bayesian" is taken to the port of Termini Imerese near Palermo, where the investigators will carry out an intensive examination of the yacht. The public prosecutor's office responsible is also based in this marina.
Complex salvage operation
The salvage of the "Bayesian" presented the experts with major challenges. Specialists used the crane ship "Hebo Lift 10" to lift the hull of the yacht. Prior to this, weeks of preparation had gone into cutting off the 72 metre high mast of the "Bayesian" with a remote-controlled sawing tool and lowering it to the seabed in a controlled manner. Eight lifting straps were then attached under the hull. After lifting, the "Bayesian" was stabilised overnight in an upright position. The complete lift began early Saturday morning. While the yacht was slowly and steadily brought to the surface, the seawater was pumped out of the interior. After surfacing, the ship remained attached to the crane for further inspections and final transport preparations.
"Bayesian": Transport and handover to authorities
The crane ship "Hebo Lift 10" is scheduled to leave the salvage site on Sunday and carefully transfer "Bayesian" to the port of Termini Imerese in Sicily. After arrival and docking, the hull is to be brought ashore by the "Hebo Lift 10" on Monday and placed on a specially constructed heavy-duty steel trestle in the harbour area. Pollution prevention and environmental monitoring measures will remain active throughout the operation. Both the salvage site and the transport route will be protected by exclusion zones at sea and in the air to ensure the safety of all involved.
Investigations continue
The successful salvage of the "Bayesian", the cost of which is estimated at around 30 million euros according to media reports, now enables the continuation of the Investigations into the cause of the accident. The yacht sank off the coast of Palermo on 19 August 2024 during a sudden storm. Seven people, including the owner Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, died in the accident. The public prosecutor's office in Termini Imerese had already launched an investigation on suspicion of negligent homicide and causing a shipwreck. With the salvage of the wreck, the investigators can now secure and analyse important evidence. Particular attention is likely to be paid to possible technical defects or errors in the operation of the ship.
