Salvage operations to recover the Bayesian superyacht, which sank off the coast of Sicily last August, have been suspended following the death of a diver involved in the recovery effort.
Rob Cornelis Maria Huijben, a 39-year-old Dutch national employed by the maritime firm Hebo, died on Friday. He was carrying out underwater work to prepare the removal of the yacht’s mainmast. The vessel, owned by late British tech billionaire Mike Lynch, has been resting on the seabed off Porticello since its sinking on 19 August 2024.
The cause of Huijben’s death remains unclear. According to police, a preliminary examination found no visible injuries or burns on the diver’s body, leading investigators to consider the possibility of a medical emergency. Another line of inquiry suggests Huijben may have been struck by falling debris after the yacht’s boom was cut using a blowtorch. Underwater footage from the operation reportedly cut out moments before the fatal incident.
“This pause in activity is necessary for the investigations to be completed and to allow all salvage and associated teams to mourn the tragic loss of a highly respected salvage diver during yesterday’s underwater work,” read a statement from TMC Marine, the British-based consultancy overseeing the recovery.
Prior to the incident, preparations had been progressing ahead of schedule. Two powerful crane vessels – Hebo Lift 10 and Hebo Lift 2 – had been stationed at the site to begin the complex process of raising the 72-metre superyacht, which weighs 5,695 gross tonnes. Steel lifting slings were being placed beneath the hull, and the vessel’s rigging and sails were being systematically removed for separate recovery.
TMC Marine previously confirmed that the Bayesian superyacht remains intact on the seabed and that the environmental protection plan remains in place. However, all further work has been halted as authorities conduct their investigation.
