Tragedy Strikes Salvage Operation as Diver Dies While Preparing to Raise Superyacht Bayesian

A tragic incident occurred on May 9, when a salvage diver lost his life during preparations to raise the superyacht Bayesian, which sank off the coast of Porticello, Italy. The diver, a 39-year-old Dutch national, was working underwater at the time of the accident. This incident has raised concerns and delayed the ongoing salvage operation, which aims to recover the yacht and uncover the circumstances surrounding its sinking.

• A salvage diver died while preparing to raise the superyacht Bayesian.
• The yacht sank in August 2022, resulting in multiple fatalities.
• The salvage operation is being conducted by a specialized team of about 70 experts.
• An investigation into the diver’s death has been launched, delaying the salvage efforts.

The superyacht Bayesian, measuring 184 feet, sank on August 19, 2022, while anchored off the coast of Italy. The vessel was carrying a prominent guest list, including tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his teenage daughter. Tragically, the incident resulted in the deaths of seven out of the 22 people on board, including Lynch and several high-profile individuals.

The yacht was reportedly caught in a strong storm, but experts believe it should not have been at risk of sinking under those conditions. The recovery of the yacht is crucial for understanding the events that led to this maritime disaster.

A specialized team has been assembled to undertake the complex task of raising the yacht from a depth of approximately 50 meters (164 feet). The operation is being supervised by TMC Marine from the UK, in collaboration with Dutch companies Hebo and SMIT Salvage, as well as local Italian specialists. The team consists of around 70 experts who are currently on-site.

The salvage operation began with an underwater survey to assess the yacht’s condition and position after the winter months. The plan includes:

1. Removing the Rigging: The rigging from the yacht’s 236-foot mast will be taken down and stored on the seabed for later recovery.
2. Placing a Steel Sling: A steel sling will be installed to secure the hull for the eventual lift.
3. Lifting the Hull: The team aims to raise the yacht safely to the surface, which is expected to take several weeks.

Following the diver’s tragic death, the Italian Coast Guard has stepped in to oversee the investigation. This has resulted in a temporary halt to the salvage operation as authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. The diver’s death has raised safety concerns among the salvage team and has prompted a review of operational protocols.

The loss of the salvage diver is a somber reminder of the risks involved in maritime recovery operations. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on safely raising the superyacht Bayesian and uncovering the truth behind its sinking. The salvage team is committed to proceeding with caution, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in this complex operation.