The first images from inside the “Bayesian” – which was only salvaged last week – reveal the full extent of the damage. For ten months, the yacht, with its 72-metre mast, lay on the seabed, less than one nautical mile off Porticello. The interior of the yacht, which was delivered in 2008 and designed by the Parisian designer Remi Tessier, has been completely destroyed – mud and grime cover the entire vessel, both in the saloon and in the companionways and the engine room on the lower deck. In order to salvage the yacht with the help of the to recover the crane vessel “Hebo Lift 10”, the salvage company cut the mast off whilst it was still on the seabed. The 72-metre-long aluminium mast is to be brought ashore in a second stage.
Initial inspection by the surveyor
Experts from the Termini Imerese Public Prosecutor’s Office have now carried out an initial inspection of the wreck, which is completely covered in mud. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has stated that the captain and two crew members are under investigation on suspicion of manslaughter and causing a shipping accident. The wreck is now expected to provide key evidence. Particular attention is likely to be paid to possible technical faults or errors in the operation of the vessel. On the night of the accident, British tech billionaire Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah, banker Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Anne Elizabeth Bloomer, manager Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Nassiri, and the ship’s chef Recaldo Thomas lost their lives on board the “Bayesian”. The families of the victims are now seeking compensation – according to media reports, the total amount of the claims could exceed 40 million euros.
Extensive investigations planned
Following its recovery, the ‘Bayesian’ was carefully placed on a heavy-duty steel support frame in the port of Termini Imerese. The wreck will undergo further thorough examination over the coming days. Plans include inspections of the hull, which has so far shown no signs of leaks. At the same time, the diesel tank, which still contains around 18,000 litres of fuel, must be emptied.
Reputation as a ‘haunted ship’
"Bayesian" has now cemented its reputation as a "cursed ship": after a Dutch diver dies during salvage operation According to reports in the *Berliner Morgenpost*, an engineer commissioned to carry out the assessment was involved in a serious car accident this week. He had to be taken to hospital, but his life is not in danger. Nevertheless, he was unable to take part in the initial inspection of the wreck.
A legal dispute worth millions is expected
The financial implications of the accident are likely to ensure that hardly any detail goes unnoticed in the protracted legal proceedings expected to take place in Italy. According to initial estimates, the amount in dispute is at least 150 million euros. Criminal proceedings are currently underway in Termini Imerese, during which civil claims could also be brought. The insurers are likely to cover the costs of the salvage operation and any potential claims for damages – provided that no evidence of wilful misconduct is found.
