Sicily Prosecutors Launch Investigation After Tragic Yacht Sinking

Termini Imerese, Italy (AFP)— Sicilian prosecutors have initiated an investigation into potential negligent shipwreck and manslaughter charges following the catastrophic sinking of the luxury yacht “Bayesian” off the northern coast of Sicily. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including prominent UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch.

On August 22, 2024, the Bayesian, a British-flagged yacht, sank near the Porticello harbor close to Palermo. The yacht, anchored 700 meters from the port, was struck by a waterspout during a storm in the early hours of Monday. Among the 22 individuals on board, including ten crew members, seven went missing, prompting a massive rescue operation.

The victims included Mike Lynch, aged 59, his teenage daughter Hannah Lynch, and other notable figures like Jonathan Bloomer, the chair of Morgan Stanley International, along with his wife Judy. The final body, identified as Hannah Lynch, was recovered on Friday, concluding the search for all missing persons.

Ambrogio Cartosio, State Prosecutor of Termini Imerese, confirmed the registration of a case file against unknown persons, citing possible crimes of negligent shipwreck and multiple negligent manslaughter. However, Cartosio emphasized that the investigation is in its infancy, urging patience as they gather more information. “We are only in the initial phase of the investigations… At this stage, precisely because the investigation could develop in any way, we are absolutely not ruling anything out,” he told reporters.

Lynch had reportedly invited friends and family aboard the Bayesian to celebrate his recent acquittal from a significant fraud charge in the United States. This jubilant gathering turned into a harrowing event as the yacht succumbed to the fierce natural forces, leading to its sinking.

Rescue operations following the incident were extensive, involving specialist divers who recovered four bodies, including Lynch’s, over the following days. The process demonstrated the harsh realities faced by rescue teams operating in such perilous conditions.

Mike Lynch had recently emerged victorious in a high-stakes legal battle, where he was acquitted of all charges in a San Francisco court. The case, linked to the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard, had accused Lynch of committing an $11 billion fraud. His untimely death, along with six others, adds a tragic layer to his storied career.

As investigations continue, the Sicilian judicial authorities remain committed to uncovering the exact circumstances that led to this maritime disaster, ensuring that justice is served for those who tragically lost their lives.