Full salvage plan for sunken 56m sailing yacht Bayesian released

Bayesian's builder takes legal action against New York Times

The Italian Sea Group (TISG) announces it is taking legal action against the New York Times (NYT) in response to an article published on 31 October 2024, intending to pursue the American newspaper for "the image damage referable to the brand and reputation of Perini Navi".

"The article reported a narrative about the sinking of the Bayesian, which was completely devoid of technical consistency without mentioning the source – which, if truly qualified, would have had no problem being quoted," the statement from TISG read.

UK inquest officially opens

The UK inquest officially opens at The Coroner’s Court in Ipswich, investigating the causes and circumstances surrounding the deaths of Michael Lynch, Hannah Lynch, Jonathan Bloomer and Judy Bloomer. The cause of death for Michael Lynch is attributed to drowning, with the deaths of the other three parties “still under investigation”.

Video surveillance equipment recovered

Italian Navy divers recover video surveillance equipment from Bayesian, including parts of the deck, video surveillance systems and hard drives. According to Reuters, the electronic devices will be sent to specialised labs outside of Sicily to check their condition and possibly recover data.

Prosecutors investigate “crime hypothesis” and authorities hypothesise downburst 

The investigation is being conducted by the prosecutor's office in Termini Imerese, Sicily, led by Raffaele Cammarano (left)

Credit: Alessandro Fucarini/AFP via Getty Images

During a news conference in Italy, prosecutors confirm they are in the early stages of investigating a "crime hypothesis" of culpable shipwreck and manslaughter. Authorities also hypothesise that Bayesian sank as a result of a downburst (powerful wind that descends from a thunderstorm), rather than a waterspout.

Five-day rescue mission concludes

Credit: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images

The five-day rescue mission concludes as the seventh and final body is found on board. Hannah Lynch is confirmed deceased by authorities.

Search and rescue continues

Search and rescue efforts continue, with divers searching the sunken yacht for the missing persons. The fatality count rises to six as the bodies of Michael Lynch, Jonathan Bloomer, Judy Bloomer, Chris Morvillo and Neda Morvillo are found on board. Hannah Lynch is still considered missing by authorities.

Crew member says “no one remembers the mast snapping” before the sinking

Credit: www.michaelkurtzphoto.com

A crew member on board Bayesian tells BOAT International that “no one remembers the mast snapping” before the sinking. This would later be confirmed by authorities, with the removal of the mast the first step expected from the salvage operation. As the crew were securing items, the eyewitness also mentioned that the “heeling began to rapidly increase” until the yacht started taking on water and sank abruptly.

BOAT International hears from Bayesian's sistership

Rosehearty

BOAT International speaks to the captain of Bayesian’s sistership, Rosehearty. Captain David Hutchinson explains that it is “very difficult to understand what could have overwhelmed a vessel of that size” and calls the 56-metre Perini Navi series “bulletproof”. However, Hutchinson also notes there were important differences between the Bayesian and Rosehearty. Notably, Bayesian’s 72-metre mast – which would have been heavier and added increased windage – and her layout, which had guest accommodation located further forward.

Bayesian sinks

The disaster resulted in a swarm of publicity

Credit: Antonio Cascio/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Bayesian is hit by bad weather and sinks off the coast of Porticello, Sicily between 4.15am and 4.45am. According to eyewitness reports obtained by BOAT International, the sailing yacht was struck by a freak weather event which led to Bayesian heeling at around 20 degrees to starboard. It is understood that the yacht was being used to celebrate Lynch's recent victory in a 13-year £8 billion fraud acquittal.

Another sailing vessel in the area, the 42-metre Sir Robert Baden Powell, steps in to offer assistance. Search and rescue teams discover the body of Recaldo Thomas, Bayesian’s chef, shortly after the sinking. Six other individuals are reported missing: British tech tycoon Michael Lynch (once dubbed ‘Britain’s Bill Gates’) and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah Lynch; Morgan Stanley International director Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy Bloomer; prominent American lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

Michael Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, and a one-year-old are among the fifteen people rescued along with Bayesian's captain, James Cutfield.