Investigation into the Sinking of Mike Lynch’s Superyacht Bayesian
A recent preliminary report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic sinking of the superyacht Bayesian, owned by UK businessman Mike Lynch. The investigation indicates that the vessel’s design posed significant vulnerabilities during extreme weather conditions.
Details of the Incident
Last August, while at anchor near Sicily, Bayesian succumbed to hurricane-force winds, resulting in the loss of Lynch, his daughter, four friends, and a crew member, while 15 individuals, including Lynch’s wife, were rescued. The yacht, measuring 56 meters, had initially been touted by its builders as “unsinkable.”
Preliminary Findings
According to the MAIB report, Bayesian capsized dramatically, rolling to a 90-degree angle within just 15 seconds of being struck by strong winds. Water subsequently flooded the vessel through its starboard rails before entering internal compartments via stairwells, which contradicted previous theories that cited open hatches as the initial cause of flooding.
Factors Contributing to Capsizing
One of the critical findings from the investigation is the height of Bayesian’s 72-meter mast coupled with the fact that its adjustable keel was raised at the time. This combination significantly compromised the boat’s stability. Andrew Moll, chief inspector of marine accidents, noted, “The extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over.” Once the vessel tilted beyond 70 degrees, recovery became impossible.
In comparisons, another superyacht, Sir Robert Baden Powell, also caught in the same storm, managed to stay afloat and assisted in rescuing the survivors from Bayesian.
Ongoing Investigation
The findings were bolstered by a study from the University of Southampton, which analyzed the yacht’s stability and highlighted that the risks associated with the keel being raised were not known to either the owner or crew, as this information was absent from the stability booklet provided with the yacht. The report indicated wind speeds exceeding 63.4 knots posed a tipping risk.
While no safety recommendations have yet been made by the MAIB, the investigation is ongoing. Salvage operations were temporarily halted after a Dutch diver tragically died while attempting to detach the yacht’s mast from its hull. The wreck is currently located 50 meters underwater, half a mile off the Sicilian coast, where authorities aim to recover it soon for further investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
In the aftermath of the disaster, Italian prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation involving three crew members, including the captain; however, no formal charges have been filed. The Italian Sea Group, which had previously acquired Bayesian’s builder, Perini Navi, rejected claims of design flaws, suspecting human error contributed significantly to the tragedy.
As the investigation unfolds, the MAIB suggests that the rapid capsize attributed to Bayesian’s instability during severe weather will be a central aspect of their findings, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of vessel limitations under extreme conditions.