The ill-fated Bayesian, a 56-meter luxury sailing yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily in August 2024, continues to be shrouded in misfortune. On May 9, 2025, a 39-year-old Dutch diver tragically lost his life during salvage operations, leading to an immediate suspension of the recovery efforts. The diver was part of a technical team working to dismantle the yacht’s towering 75-meter mast, a necessary step before raising the vessel’s hull from its resting place 50 meters below the surface. Italian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and the area has been sealed pending further inquiries.
The Sinking of the Bayesian: A Sudden and Deadly Storm
In the early hours of August 19, 2024, the Bayesian was anchored near Porticello, Sicily, when it was struck by a sudden and violent storm. A British investigation later revealed that hurricane-force winds, exceeding 70 knots (81 mph), caused the yacht to heel over 90 degrees within 15 seconds, leading to its rapid sinking. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah. Fifteen others were rescued.
An interim report by the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) highlighted that the yacht’s design vulnerabilities, particularly when the centerboard was raised, contributed to its instability during the storm. The crew was reportedly unaware of these vulnerabilities, and the yacht’s stability information did not detail such risks.
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Survivors’ Harrowing Escape
Survivors recounted a frantic struggle to escape the sinking vessel. As water flooded the yacht, passengers and crew used furniture and air pockets to navigate through submerged corridors. Some climbed internal walls and improvised ladders, while others assisted one another through submerged hatches and locked doors. The chief officer played a notable role in rescuing passengers, including a baby. Eventually, survivors gathered outside as the storm subsided, using cushions for flotation and a phone light to search for others. A life raft was launched, and within 30 minutes, the survivors signaled a passing ship with a flare and were rescued.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
The sinking of the Bayesian has prompted multiple investigations. Italian prosecutors have opened a case hypothesizing the crimes of shipwreck and manslaughter. The yacht’s captain and two British crew members are under investigation, though no formal charges have been filed.
In the UK, the MAIB continues its inquiry into the incident, with a final report pending. The findings are expected to provide further insights into the factors that led to the yacht’s rapid capsizing and the subsequent loss of life.
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The Bayesian: A Symbol of Luxury and Tragedy
Built in 2008 by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi, the Bayesian was renowned for its sleek design and towering 75-meter aluminum mast, one of the tallest in the world. The yacht was owned by Revtom Ltd., a company registered in the Isle of Man, with Mike Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, listed as the sole shareholder.
The vessel’s name, a nod to Bayesian inference, reflected Lynch’s background in statistical machine learning. At the time of the sinking, Lynch and his guests were celebrating his recent acquittal in a U.S. fraud case.
Future of the Salvage Operation
The recent death of the Dutch diver has cast uncertainty over the future of the Bayesian’s salvage operation. TMC Marine, the British company overseeing the recovery, has stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities. Italian officials have not provided a timeline for the resumption of the operation, and the incident has raised concerns about the safety of deep-sea salvage missions.
As investigations continue, the Bayesian remains submerged off the coast of Sicily, a somber reminder of the perils that can accompany even the most luxurious of voyages.
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