According to the Italian news agency Ansa, the 39-year-old diving professional died during a mission to the wreck of the Perini Navi ketch 50 metres below the surface. Investigations are ongoing, but it is suspected that a defect in the oxygen cylinder or an attack of weakness led to his death.
Seven people lost their lives in the tragic accident eight months ago, including the British software billionaire Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah.
Downfall of the "Bayesian"
The "Bayesian" sank on 19 August 2024 about 0.8 nautical miles off the coast of Porticello during a heavy storm. Apparently a waterspout had formed. Of the 22 people on board, 15 were safely evacuated. A subsequent search and rescue mission recovered the bodies of seven people. The rapid sinking of the aluminium yacht within a few minutes raises many questions. One theory assumes that the hull flaps were open, but even then, watertight bulkheads should have prevented such a rapid sinking.
Speculation about the cause of the accident
Experts are discussing various possible causes for the sinking. One theory is that the 75 metre long mast offered a considerable wind attack surface even without the sails set. This could have led to a strong heel, which would have lifted the 11.52 metre wide hull on the windward side and provided the hurricane with an additional area of attack. In addition, a raised lift keel could have further reduced the righting moment. With the keel fully extended, the "Bayesian" had a draught of 9.38 metres; when retracted, it was only 4.05 metres.
Complex rescue operation
The salvage of the yacht, which displaces almost 500 tonnes, from a depth of 50 metres is expected to take until June and represents an enormous technical challenge. A consortium of insurers led by British Marine officially launched the salvage plans in December 2024. These involve first turning the ship on its keel and then lifting it with cranes or inflatable recovery bags. The area around the wreck will be cordoned off for the salvage operation and shipping in the vicinity will be diverted. The area around the accident site near Porticello is cordoned off over a wide area. Swimming, fishing, diving and underwater filming are strictly prohibited within a radius of 650 metres.
Examination in Termini Imerese
The floating crane "Hebo Lift 10", which travelled all the way from Rotterdam, is being used for the salvage operation. The multi-purpose pontoon "Hebo Lift 2" is also involved in the operation, in which a total of 80 experts from various European countries are working. The work is taking place around 900 metres off the coast. The sunken sailing yacht has an aluminium hull and one of the highest masts in the world. For safety reasons, the 75-metre mast is to be cut off before the actual lift and remain permanently in the water. Once the salvage manoeuvre has been completed, "Bayesian" will be taken to the port of Termini Imerese near Palermo, where investigators will examine the wreck in detail. The public prosecutor's office responsible is also based in this marina. According to media reports, the cost of the salvage operation is estimated at around 30 million euros.
Investigations and legal consequences
Investigators hope that the recovery will provide important information about the exact cause of the accident. A manslaughter and murder investigation is underway in Italy. Against the New Zealand captain and two other crew members are under investigation. They are accused of ignoring severe weather warnings and then only taking themselves to safety. The possible complicity of the Italian shipyard Perini Navi is also being investigated.
