The Bayesian superyacht, which tragically sank off the coast of Sicily last August, resulting in the loss of seven lives, including tech magnate Mike Lynch and his daughter, has been successfully recovered from the seabed. This complex and expensive salvage operation, estimated to cost $27 million, represents a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the disaster.
Superyacht Surfaces After Fatal Sinking
The 184-foot superyacht, Bayesian, has been lifted to the surface off the coast of Sicily after nearly a year submerged. The vessel sank on August 19, 2024, during a severe squall. This operation, part of a criminal investigation into the incident, began in May 2025 and involved a crane barge, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and dive teams. Unfortunately, the operation was overshadowed by the tragic death of a Dutch diver last month.
Key Takeaways
- The Bayesian superyacht, which sank in August 2024, has been raised from the seabed.
- Seven people, including owner Mike Lynch and his daughter, died in the sinking.
- The salvage operation cost approximately $27 million and was part of a criminal investigation.
- A diver died during the recovery efforts, resulting in an increased use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
- The yacht’s mast was cut to facilitate the lift, and the vessel will be inspected for evidence.
The Sinking and Its Aftermath
The Bayesian, a 473,000 kg maxi yacht, sank within 16 minutes while anchored off Porticello, near Palermo. Of the 22 people on board, 15 managed to escape, but seven perished. The victims included UK tech magnate Mike Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, attorney Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda, and the ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas.
Italian prosecutors have initiated an inquiry into suspected manslaughter and shipwreck involving a yacht. The investigation focuses on the yacht’s captain, James Cutfield, and two British crew members, Tim Parker Eaton and Matthew Griffiths. Initial reports from the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) indicate that the yacht’s design, particularly its raised centerboard and high mast, may have compromised its stability.
Sources:
- Marine salvage experts start recovery of sunken superyacht Bayesian in Sicily, Euronews.com.
- Wreck of Bayesian Superyacht Raised to the Surface, Newser.
- Will Bayesian be lifted off the seabed as part of manslaughter probe? Salvage experts say £13million
operation could take six to eight weeks and will involve cranes and up to 40 divers – as captain and crew face
key questions over sinking, Daily Mail. - What caused the Bayesian to sink? Superyacht raised from seabed 10 months after tragedy, The Independent.
