A complex salvage operation to recover the wreck of the luxury yacht Bayesian will begin on 3 May, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The boat sank off the coast of Sicily last summer.
The vessel went down in severe weather near Porticello harbour on 25 August 2024, claiming the lives of seven people. Among the victims were British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah. All those who died were passengers, with the exception of the yacht’s cook, Recaldo Thomas.
Fifteen people survived the sinking, including Lynch’s wife Angela Baraces, whose company owned the Bayesian. The survivors were rescued amid rough seas and high winds, after the yacht sent out a distress call.
Recovery operation expected to last up to 25 days
Dutch companies Hebo Maritiemservice and Smit International will carry out the recovery. They will use their specialised units Hebo Lift 2 and Hebo Lift 10. The yacht lies at a depth of 50 metres and the operation may take between 20 and 25 days.
Before the wreck is lifted, the yacht’s mast will be cut for safety reasons. Once the vessel is brought to the surface, it will be handed over to prosecutors in Termini Imerese, who are conducting an investigation into the incident.
Criminal investigation underway
Three crew members, including the captain James Cutfield, are under investigation for suspected multiple counts of negligent manslaughter and causing a shipwreck.
Prosecutors are assessing whether the decision to continue sailing in worsening conditions contributed to the vessel’s loss. Weather alerts had been issued on the day of the accident. Investigators are working to determine if these were acted upon appropriately.
