Sinking of the super yacht Le Bayesian: the wreck will soon be raised off
Salvage Operation Set for Sinking of Super Yacht Le Bayesian
A major salvage operation is set to commence on April 26, 2025, to recover the wreck of the super yacht Le Bayesian, which sank off the coast of Sicily eight months ago. The vessel lies approximately 50 meters beneath the surface near Porticello. Simon Graves, the lead investigator from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) in the UK, confirmed the timeline for the recovery efforts.
A Luxury Yacht, a Waterspout, and a Midsummer Drama
On August 19, 2024, the luxury sailing yacht *Le Bayesian*, registered in the Isle of Man, tragically capsized less than a kilometer from the Sicilian shoreline. The incident occurred suddenly, triggered by a violent waterspout that swept through the area. At the time of the disaster, there were 22 individuals on board, but only 15 managed to survive. The search efforts recovered seven bodies, including those of prominent tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, often referred to as the “British Bill Gates,” and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah. Other victims included Lynch’s wife, a lawyer, the chairman of Morgan Stanley International and his spouse, as well as the yacht’s cook, who hailed from Antigua and Barbuda.
The sinking of *Le Bayesian* not only shocked the luxury sailing community but also raised questions about safety regulations and weather preparedness for such vessels. The tragic loss of life has left families and friends of the victims seeking answers and closure.
A Double Investigation, a Strategic Bailout
In the aftermath of the sinking, two separate investigations have been launched: one by Italian authorities focusing on potential criminal negligence, and another by the UK’s MAIB, which is examining the technical aspects of the incident. The MAIB is expected to release an interim report in the coming weeks, with a comprehensive final report anticipated by June. Initial findings are concentrating on the yacht’s stability and the weather conditions at the time of the accident.
The recovery of the wreck is seen as a pivotal moment in uncovering the true causes behind the tragedy. Although British investigators will not be present during the refloating process, they plan to be on-site when the yacht is brought back to shore to continue their inquiries. Meanwhile, the families of the victims remain hopeful that the recovery will provide critical insights into the circumstances surrounding this devastating maritime disaster.
