Italian prosecutors have announced an investigation into the sinking of a luxury Bayesian yacht near Porticello, off the coast of Sicily. The yacht, captained by James Cutfield, capsized during a storm, resulting in the tragic deaths of six passengers, including British tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter.
The incident, which occurred last week, has raised questions about the crew's actions and the handling of the boat leading up to the deadly sinking. While initial reports suggest a waterspout may have played a role in the capsizing, authorities are looking into whether other factors contributed to the disaster.
Survivors of the sinking, including Lynch's wife, are cooperating with the investigation. Cutfield, the captain, is not in custody but is prohibited from leaving Italy while the inquiry is ongoing.
Salvage crews are preparing to raise the yacht, named after Lynch's statistical theory, in the coming weeks. The cost of salvaging the ship falls on the owner, in this case, Bacares' company. Once raised, investigators will examine the vessel for clues about the circumstances surrounding the sinking.
Authorities are also looking into the actions of the ship's chief mate and whether proper warnings were given to passengers as the storm approached. The investigation aims to shed light on the events leading up to the tragic incident and determine any potential negligence or misconduct.
As the investigation unfolds, Italian prosecutors are committed to uncovering the truth behind the luxury yacht's sinking and ensuring accountability for the lives lost in this maritime tragedy.
