New details surrounding the rescue mission of guests onboard the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian have been unveiled following the tragic sinking on Monday 19 August, off the coast of Palermo, Italy.
The incident resulted in the loss of seven lives, with investigations currently underway to establish if Captain James Cutfield, British sailor Matthew Griffiths and engineer Tim Parker Eaton did enough to alert guests and crew.
Captain and crew ‘formed human chain’
According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, 22-year-old Matthew Griffiths told investigators the captain had worked to help the guests and crew onboard. “We somehow got back up on the bridge and tried to make a human chain to rescue those who could get to the opening from the accommodation deck.”
After being thrown from the listing yacht into the water once, Griffiths explained how he climbed back onboard and was “walking the walls” of the yacht as he and his crew members attempted to save others onboard.
“The first one in the chain was the captain who reached down. He helped everybody, the women, the mum with the little girl… But we were sinking and unfortunately some didn’t make it.”
Italian news agency ANSA also reported that Griffiths told prosecutors that he “woke the captain up when the wind was blowing 20 knots. He ordered me to wake everyone else up, I then stored away the pillows and plants and closed the windows of the sitting room on the bow and some hatches.”
Captain and crew still under investigation
Captain James Cutfield reportedly broke down in tears when he was questioned again by prosecutors last week. As his lawyers begin to prepare their defence, he invoked the right to remain silent during formal questioning.
Cutfield flew out of Sicily, Italy last week and is believed to have returned to Majorca, where he lives with his wife. Chief prosecutor, Ambrogio Cartosio, said the investigation is looking into multiple manslaughter charges and causing a shipwreck through negligence.
Being placed under investigation in Italy does not imply guilt, nor does it mean that formal charges will necessarily be filed. ANSA also reported that the defence attorneys of Parker Eaton and Griffiths could request technical consultancies to determine whether the yacht had some type of malfunction or was subjected to a violent and unpredictable weather event.
Investigators are currently scrutinising whether any of the hatches were left open and whether the keel was partially raised during the incident, which would have made the yacht less stable.
Autopsies will take place today (Monday 2 September) at an institute of forensic medicine in Palermo.
As the investigation into the sinking continues, we will provide further updates as new information becomes available. Our commitment remains to deliver accurate and respectful reporting on this tragic event, ensuring that the memory of those who lost their lives is honoured.
Below you can find SuperYacht Times previous updates including our live reporting of the sinking, as information unfolded throughout the week.
(28/08/2024 10:30) Investigation continues into the 56m Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy
Just over one week since the tragic sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian, new details have emerged as the investigation continues.
The incident, which occurred off the coast of Palermo, Italy on Monday 19 August, resulted in the loss of seven lives. Authorities and maritime experts have been working diligently to uncover the cause of the sinking and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Captain currently under investigation
According to preliminary reports from investigators, Bayesian encountered severe weather conditions on the night of the sinking. These conditions, characterised by high winds and rough seas, are believed to have played a significant role in the vessel’s sudden descent.
Prosecutors in Italy have launched an official investigation, with Captain James Cutfield currently being investigated for manslaughter, according to Italian news agency La Repubblica. Being placed under investigation in Italy does not imply guilt, nor does it mean that formal charges will necessarily be filed.
According to chief prosecutor of Termini Imerese, Ambrogio Cartosio, the yacht had been hit by a sudden meteorological event, but it was still plausible that crimes of manslaughter and causing a shipwreck through negligence may have been committed. As well as this, maritime law places full responsibility on the captain for the vessel, the crew, and the safety of everyone onboard.
Prosecutors in Italy have previously questioned Cutfield, noting that he has been “extremely cooperative.” Other members of the Bayesian crew have also voluntarily remained in Italy to assist with the investigation. At the Termini Imerese Courthouse in Palermo, Cartosio did not rule out manslaughter charges.
Captain James Cutfield was questioned for a third time by the Termini Imerese prosecutors on Tuesday 27 August. Lawyer Giovanni Rizzuti told reporters that he has exercised his right to remain silent as “First, he’s very worn out. Second, we were appointed only on Monday and for a thorough and correct defence case we need to acquire a set of data that at the moment we don’t have.”
Investigation into the cause continues
A press conference held on Saturday by Italian prosecutors revealed that the victims had been unable to escape as they may have been asleep at the time of the incident. Rescuers said it was apparent to divers that victims had tried to seek shelter in one side of the upturned boat, where there may have been air bubbles, as it sank. One of the victims was found alone in a stateroom, while five others were found in a separate compartment, suggesting that they may have been trying to reach the upper decks to escape.
“It’s quite clear that the people were trying to hide in the [staterooms] on the left-hand side and we found the first five bodies in the first [stateroom] on the left-hand side and the final body in the third [stateroom] on the left-hand side,” explained fire service commander Girolamo Bentivoglio Fiandra, in a press conference last week.
Prosecutors are also investigating whether the nine surviving crew members had raised the alarm before escaping. Cartosio stated that they are working to establish each crew member’s responsibility, “For me, it is probable that offences were committed – this could be a case of manslaughter.”
“Behaviours were not perfectly in order with regard to the responsibility everybody had… There could be in fact the question of homicide. But this is the beginning of the inquiry, we cannot exclude anything at all.”
Lead prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano added that “We are going to discover how much they [the crew] knew, or to what extent all the people were warned.
“This event was completely unexpected so the inquiry is going to be based on recovery of the wreck. When we’re able to examine the wreck, we will possibly get some answers to questions that at the moment cannot be answered.”
Technical and safety insights
The sinking of Bayesian has sparked a broader conversation within the maritime industry about yacht safety, particularly in challenging weather conditions. Experts have begun to examine whether current safety protocols and design standards are adequate for large yachts operating in such environments.
One area of focus is the vessel’s stability under duress. While Bayesian was built to meet the necessary safety regulations, the extreme conditions on the night of the incident may have exceeded the vessel’s design capabilities.
Witnesses reported that Bayesian was anchored a few hundred metres from Porticello when a waterspout struck. The force of the storm and winds may have caused the yacht to be tipped over, leaving her deck below the surface and making it difficult to rebalance her.
Additionally, the role of real-time weather monitoring and decision-making in avoiding such tragedies is being scrutinised. It is hoped that the lessons learned from this incident will lead to enhanced safety measures, including better forecasting and more rigorous inspection protocols.
According to fire department diver Marco Tilotta, the wreck was intact and the mast was still attached when they first examined the vessel. However, he noted that although divers had not been able to inspect the full length of the mast, the section they had seen was undamaged.
About Bayesian
Bayesian was delivered in 2008 by Italian yacht builder Perini Navi. She features exterior design by her builder, with interior penned by Rémi Tessier and naval architecture by Ron Holland Design. At the time of her delivery, Bayesian had one of the largest aluminium masts in the world at 72-metres tall.
Bayesian can accommodate up to 12 guests across a six stateroom configuration. Together with her streamlined, full aluminium hull and 1,500 square-metres of sail, she can reach speeds of 15.5 knots. Under power, she boasts a maximum cruising range of 3,600 nautical miles at 13 knots, with power coming from twin Caterpillar C32 diesel engines.
How rare is a yachting casualty?
Yachting casualties, while tragic, are relatively rare in the broader context of maritime travel. Modern yachts are built with rigorous safety standards and are equipped with advanced technology designed to handle adverse conditions. The majority of yacht voyages occur without incident, as experienced crews and proper maintenance significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
However, when casualties do occur, they often involve extreme weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances or mechanical failures. The rarity of such incidents underscores the importance of ongoing improvements in safety protocols and equipment, as well as the need for continuous training and preparedness for all onboard.
According to SYT iQ, there have been only around two dozen casualties in the yachting industry this year for yachts 24-metres and above. With a current fleet of 11,889, that is just 0.29 percent of all yachts in the SYT iQ database.
To put this into perspective, the overall risk of a serious incident in the yachting industry remains relatively low, with fewer than one percent of yachts experiencing significant casualties annually. This statistic underscores the general safety of yachting, despite the inherent risks of maritime travel.
Remembering the seven lives lost
As the investigation progresses, the loss of seven lives remains at the forefront of this tragedy. Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by this heartbreaking event. The yachting community has expressed its solidarity with the families, with many offering support and condolences. In honour of those lost, several memorial services are being planned, with a vigil for the victims of the disaster held on Sunday 25 August in the fishing community of Porticello in Sicily.
The loss has deeply affected not only the families of those affected, but also the broader yachting community, which has come together in solidarity, following the loss of the guests and crew onboard Bayesian.
As the investigation into the sinking continues, we will provide further updates as new information becomes available. Our commitment remains to deliver accurate and respectful reporting on this tragic event, ensuring that the memory of those who lost their lives is honoured.
Below you can find SuperYacht Times previous live reporting of the sinking, as information unfolded throughout the week.
(25/08/2024 19:30) Seven dead following Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy
The following updates were part of SuperYacht Times‘ live reports of the yacht sinking, published from Monday 19 August to Friday 23 August.
Recap:
DAY FIVE – Friday 23 August
- The body of the final victim has been found
- Hannah Lynch’s body removed from the water
DAY FOUR – Thursday 22 August
- The search continues for the last person
- Five missing bodies found, six people reported dead
DAY THREE – Wednesday 21 August
- Chef who passed away named as Recaldo “Rick” Thomas
- More survivors names are revealed
- Divers attempt to reach staterooms
- Five bodies found, search continues for sixth person
DAY TWO – Tuesday 20 August
- Names of those missing revealed, alongside owner Mike Lynch
- First cave dives were ‘unsuccessful’ due to furniture blocking the bridge
- Yacht’s captain speaks out- “We didn’t see it coming”
- Search efforts underway for a second day
DAY ONE – Monday 19 August
- Bayesian was anchored outside the port when tornado struck
- Yacht sank and settled at 50-metres below the surface
- Body of the yacht’s chef recovered from the water
- One-year-old girl among 15 survivors, alongside mother
- Owner, Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter still missing
(21/08/2024 19:30) Live: Five bodies found in underwater search following Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy
Five bodies have now been found from the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy, with the search continuing for the sixth person.
Three body bags have now been taken to the port of Porticello, with four bodies recovered and efforts in place to bring the fifth body to shore. A sixth person is still missing as the search draws to a close for the evening.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(21/08/2024 18:00) Breaking: Four bodies found in underwater search following Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy
Four bodies have now been found in the search for the six missing people who were still unaccounted for following the sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian in Palermo, Italy.
The identities of the bodies still remain unknown, with reports that the first two bodies found were found behind mattresses. According to the Italian news agency Adnkronos reported that one of the bodies belonged to ‘heavily built man.’
An ambulance has also been seen leaving the harbour after a body bag was brought ashore at Porticello by rescue workers.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(21/08/2024 16:15) Breaking: Body pulled from the water as two found in search for Bayesian yacht sinking survivors
A body has been pulled from the water near the sinking site of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian in Palermo, Italy.
Two bodies have allegedly been found behind mattresses, with a green body bag seen being taken back to the port of Porticello where emergency services staff are currently waiting.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(21/08/2024 15:45) Breaking: Two bodies found in underwater search following Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy
Local sources close to the scene say that “two bodies have been found” inside the Bayesian yacht that sunk in Palermo, Italy on Monday morning. The search had reached its third day today as six people are still reported as missing.
According to The Independent, it has been reported that one of the bodies is that of a “heavily built man”. Italian media reports have also suggested that the bodies were found inside the boat behind two mattresses.
Divers were attempting to reach the staterooms this afternoon and were allegedly trying to access the master suite to search for the six missing people.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(21/08/2024 14:30) Day 3: Helicopter assists search for 6 missing people from Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy
A helicopter has been seen again assisting today’s search efforts to find six people, following the sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian in Palermo, Italy on Monday morning.
The helicopter has been seen assisting divers, who have been entering the water with head torches to search for the missing six people. The Vigili del Fuoco fire brigade said they have been accessing the vessel through natural entrances, despite earlier reports that the windows had been broken with picks.
The search has entered its third day with the yacht’s owner, Mike Lynch and his 18-year old daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy and Mike Lynch’s attorney Christopher Morvillo and his wife Nada, still unaccounted for.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(21/08/2024 13:30) Day 3: Divers attempt to reach staterooms in search of 6 missing from Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy
Divers are trying to reach the staterooms of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian that sunk in Palermo, Italy on Monday morning, in search of the six missing people.
The search has entered its third day with the yacht’s owner, Mike Lynch and his 18-year old daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy and Mike Lynch’s attorney Christopher Morvillo and his wife Nada, still unaccounted for.
According to the Vigili del Fuoco social media posts, the search concluded late yesterday evening and began again at 9:30 this morning, “at the first light of day.” Rescuers are attempting to dive down 50-metres below the water’s surface to reach the yacht and search for the six missing people.
Blacksmith crafts picks to break open windows of Bayesian
This morning, it was reported that a local blacksmith crafted jacks that were used to break through the 3cm glass of the Bayesian yacht’s windows. Rescuers had previously expressed the frustration that they were unable to enter the yacht through her decks, due to furniture blocking their path.
As the yacht is located 50-metres below the water’s surface, divers are only able to spend around 10 minutes underwater. The yacht is also reportedly leaning on its starboard side, which further adds to the difficulty of the operation.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(21/08/2024 12:30) Italian Coastguard expresses fears that 6 missing from Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy may be dead
The Italian Coastguard have expressed their fears that the six missing people who were onboard the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian that sunk in Palermo, Italy on Monday morning, may be dead.
According to The Independent, Vincenzo Zagarola, of the Italian Coastguard, said he thinks that the six missing people are dead. Asked about the likelihood of them being alive, he said: “Never say never, but reasonably the answer should be not.”
He said: “We think they are still inside the boat, that is our very hard idea. Of course, we do not exclude that they are not inside the boat, but we know the boat sank quickly. We suppose that the six people missing may not have had time to get out of the boat.”
British investigators arrive
A team of British investigators have now arrived in Palermo as part of the search. A team of four British inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) arrived on Tuesday and are expected to carry out a “preliminary assessment” of the site.
The Italian Coastguard said the MAIB are not involved in the search. “Even if they come (probably) the searches are carried out by the Italian authorities. Initiative (was) not requested by us,” added Vincenzo Zagarola, a spokesperson for the Italian Coastguard.
Videos from the Vigili del Fuoco show that searches continued yesterday into the night.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(21/08/2024 11:30) Day 3: Families of 6 missing from Bayesian yacht sinking hope they are trapped in “air pockets”
Those close to the six missing people that are still unaccounted for following the sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian Palermo, Italy on Monday morning, have expressed their hopes that their loved ones might be trapped in “air pockets.”
Speaking to the BBC, Jeremy Bloomer, the twin brother of Jonathan, said “It’s a slow process and it will take time. So there might be air pockets, but we don’t know. It’s still wait and see, so fingers crossed.”
Air pockets are small spaces of air that become trapped when a vessel is underwater, allowing survivors to still be able to breathe while submerged. One of the most famous cases of this occurring is the story of Harrison Okene. Harrison survived for three days in an air bubble at the bottom of the ocean inside a capsized boat, while fish nibbled away at him.
Six people still missing
There are currently six people still missing including, the yacht’s owner, Mike Lynch and his 18-year old daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, alongside, Mike Lynch’s attorney Christopher Morvillo and his wife Nada.
Doctors who treated the 15 people who were rescued said they spoke of “darkness” as the boat capsized. Dr Fabio Genco described “apocalyptic scenes” as rescued guests and crew searched for their loved ones.
The search continues into its third day as divers have now entered the sunken yacht to find the six missing people.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(21/08/2024 10:00) Owner’s wife speaks out about 56m Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy as 6 still missing
The wife of the owner of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian that sunk in Palermo, Italy on Monday morning, has described what happened as she awaits for updates on her husband and 18-year-old daughter who are still missing.
Angela Bacares was rescued alongside 14 other people after the storm struck the yacht at around 4am on Monday morning. The yacht then sunk to around 50-metres below the water’s surface as those onboard struggled to escape.
Speaking to Italy’s La Republica, Angela Bacares described how she was woken early that morning after the boat “tilted” sharply. She initially thought nothing was wrong, but shortly after she found herself showered in broken glass.
Angela explained how she fled her stateroom, slicing her feet on the broken glass that was scattered across the deck, before escaping off Bayesian as it sunk beneath the water within minutes. The search continues into its third day as divers have now entered the sunken yacht to find the six missing people.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(21/08/2024 08:45) Day 3: Divers enter hull to look for 6 missing people of 56m Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy
The search efforts for the six missing people who are still unaccounted for after the Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian sunk in Palermo, Italy on Monday morning, have entered their third day.
Recaldo “Rick” Thomas named as chef
The body of the yacht’s chef was recovered from the water on Monday and has now been formally named as Recaldo Thomas. Known to friends as Rick, tributes have been pouring in from friends and family across social media.
Survivors names revealed
The names of some of the survivors have also been revealed. The first names released were one-year Sofia, her mother Charlotte Golunsk and partner James Emsley, Senior Associate at Clifford Chance Ayla Ronald and her partner Matthew and owner Mike Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares.
According to The Italian Coastguard, crew member Leo Eppel was also onboard, with Sky News reporting that Leah Randall and Captain James Cutfield have also been confirmed as crew members of Bayesian.
Photo: Vigili del FuocoRescue teams smash windows to enter hull
According to local news reports, rescue teams have managed to enter the hull of Bayesian by smashing through a glass window, according to local reports. According to Giornale Di Sicilia, a local blacksmith has crafted jacks that were used to break through the 3cm glass.
The crews are yet to have reached the staterooms and cabins, due to a large amount of furniture blocking their path. The diving crews are attempting to find survivors inside the yacht, at 50-metres below the water’s surface. As a result of this, they are only able to spend up to 10 minutes underwater. The yacht is reportedly leaning on its starboard side, which further adds to the difficulty of the operation.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(20-08-2024 14:45) What we know so far: 1 dead and 6 missing following 56m Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy
SuperYacht Times takes a look at everything we know about the sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian in Palermo, Italy yesterday morning (Monday 19 August.)
Photo: Data from Vessel FinderWhere was the yacht?
Bayesian was docked off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, when a tornado hit the area just before 5:00 on Monday 19 August. The 56-metre Perini Navi yacht had previously been on a number of trips recently, visiting various ports in Sicily.
Who was onboard?
There were 22 people onboard at the time of the incident. According to SYT iQ, Bayesian can accommodate up to 12 guests for overnight stays, alongside a crew of 10. 15 people were rescued from a lifeboat by the 42-metre Sir Robert BP vessel, including one-year Sofia and her mother Charlotte Golunsk, Senior Associate at Clifford Chance Ayla Ronald and owner Mike Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares.
1 dead and 6 missing
There are currently six people still missing, with the body of the yacht’s chef, Rick, recovered from the water yesterday morning. Amongst the six missing people are the yacht’s owner, Mike Lynch and his 18-year old daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, alongside, Mike Lynch’s attorney Christopher Morvillo and his wife Nada.
Photo: Vigili del FuocoWhat happened?
Bayesian was docked just outside the port when an unexpected tornado storm hit the area. Eyewitnesses told Ansa news agency that the vessel lost its balance after the mast was downed and she started to sink shortly after.
Rescue operations
15 people managed to escape onto a life raft and were rescued by 42-metre Sir Robert BP vessel (pictured above), which was also in the area during the storm. Speaking to the BBC, Captain Karsten Borner said he stabilised his own boat before seeing a flare was floating in the water.
“We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over we realised that the boat next to ours was no longer there. We saw a red signal flare coming from the area of the boat, so my first officer and I climbed into the tender and went to provide assistance.”
The search continues…
The local fire brigade, cave divers, volunteers and helicopters have been deployed in the search for the six missing people, with teams attempting to enter the sunken yacht.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(20-08-2024 13:45) Day 2: Search underway for 6 missing from 56m Bayesian yacht sinking in Palermo, Italy
The search for six missing people who were onboard the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian that sunk in Palermo, Italy yesterday morning (Monday 19 August) has entered its second day.
A team of divers were seen leaving the port of Porticello, near Palermo at around 11:30 this morning, with the local fire brigade describing the entrance to the yacht on the seabed as “complex.”
It is believed that furniture is blocking the deck entrance, which is making it difficult for divers to enter the yacht to search for survivors. Bayesian is currently laying on her side, 50-metres below the water’s surface.
Amongst the six missing people are the yacht’s owner, Mike Lynch and his 18-year old daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, alongside, Mike Lynch’s attorney Christopher Morvillo and his wife Nada. It is reported that the trip was a celebration of Mike Lynch’s recent acquittal.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(20-08-2024 12:30) Inside the 56m sunken Bayesian yacht as search continues for missing 6 people
As divers attempt to find the six missing people of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian that sunk in Palermo, Italy, SuperYacht Times takes a look at what the superyacht looked like inside.
Main Saloon and Dining Area
The main saloon (or lounge area) of Bayesian features an open-plan layout with a large L shaped sofa and various armchairs encircling a coffee table. Moving forward a dining area, with seating for up to 10 guests.
Alfresco Dining Area
Forward on the main deck of Bayesian is her alfresco dining area, with seating protected by the cover of her hardtop and awnings, as well as circular lounge seating.
Staterooms
Bayesian can accommodate up to 12 guests across six staterooms, consisting of her full-beam owner’s suite, a VIP double forward, two doubles and a twin stateroom. Her crew accommodation can be found at the bow and includes a crew galley amidships.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(20-08-2024 11:30) Captain of 56m sunken Bayesian yacht: “We didn’t see it coming” as search continues for missing 6 people
The captain onboard the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian that sunk in Palermo, Italy, early yesterday morning (Monday 18 August), has spoken out for the first time since the incident.
New Zealand Captain James Cutfield spoke to Italian newspaper La Repubblica as he waited outside of the emergency room in the town of Termini Imerese in Sicily. “We didn’t see it coming,” he explained, why looking “limp.”
He and four other guests were taken to the town’s hospital after they were rescued from the Bayesian, which sunk around 05:00 yesterday morning. There are currently six people who are still unaccounted for, with the yacht’s chef reported as dead.
In a statement to The Independent newspaper, Aki Hussain, Group Chief Executive Officer of Hiscox, where missing guest Jonathan Bloomer is the chairman, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected, in particular our Chair, Jonathan Bloomer, and his wife Judy, who are among the missing, and with their family as they await further news from this terrible situation.”
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(20-08-2024 10:45) Guests were onboard the 56m Bayesian yacht in Palermo, Italy to celebrate owner’s court acquittal before sinking
It has been confirmed by the father of one of the survivors that the 22 people onboard the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian that sunk in Palermo, Italy, early yesterday morning (Monday 18 August), were celebrating the success of Mike Lynch’s recent acquittal.
Mike Lynch was acquitted in June, following a US fraud and conspiracy trial regarding the $11 billion sale of his software firm Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in October 2011. The 11-week trial found Mike Lynch not guilty and he was acquitted of all charges.
According to the Financial Times, Jonathan Bloomer, who is also missing alongside his wife, appeared at trial as a defence witness for Mr Lynch, with some media reports suggesting that they are close friends. Jonathan Bloomer is also the chairman of insurance provider Hiscox.
The father of survivor Ayla Ronald, who worked at the law firm Clifford Chance that represented Mike Lynch during his trial, has spoken out to confirm that his daughter was invited onboard as a thank you for her assistance during the recent court case.
Speaking to the Telegraph he said; “I have texted my daughter and she hasn’t given me any updates about missing personnel or saved personnel. She has only said that there are deaths and she and her partner are alive.”
“Ayla is a lawyer who is part of the legal team that were invited to go sailing, as a result of the success in the recent United States court case.”
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(20-08-2024 10:15) New details unveiled about the 6 missing people onboard the sunken Bayesian yacht in Palermo, Italy
Further details have been unveiled about the six people who are still missing following sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian in Palermo, Italy, early yesterday morning (Monday 18 August.)
Amongst the six missing people are the yacht’s owner, Mike Lynch and his 18-year old daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, alongside, Mike Lynch’s attorney Christopher Morvillo and his wife Nada. It is reported that the trip was a celebration of Mike Lynch’s recent acquittal.
Who is Mike Lynch?
Mike Lynch co-founded the software firm Autonomy in 1996. In October 2011, Autonomy was sold to Hewlett-Packard for more than $11 billion. Mike is married to Angela Bacares and has two daughters, with his 18-year-old daughter Hannah also missing alongside him.
Who is Chris Morvillo?
Lawyer Chris Morvillo has Morvillo has worked on many high profile corruption cases, including the recent acquittal of Mike Lynch. Chris worked as an assistant US attorney for the southern district of New York from 1999 to 2005, as well as working on the criminal investigation surrounding the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Since 2011, he has been a partner at the Clifford Chance law firm in New York. Chris is missing alongside his wife Nada.
Who is Jonathan Bloomer?
Jonathan Bloomer is the chairman of Morgan Stanley Bank International and insurance company Hiscox. The 70-year-old was educated at Imperial College London and had previously served on a number of company boards. Jonathan is missing alongside his wife, Judy.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(20-08-2024 09:30) Day Two: Cave divers ‘unsuccessful’ due to furniture blocking the sunken Bayesian yacht in Palermo, Italy
Cave divers were deployed last night in an effort to find the six missing people who are still unaccounted for after the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian sunk in Palermo, Italy, early yesterday morning (Monday 18 August.)
According to the Italian fire brigade’s social media channel, Vigili del Fuoco, they were ‘unsuccessful’ due to: “Limited access to the bridge [of the yacht], with difficulties due to the presence of furniture that obstructs the passage.”
Efforts to find the six missing people, which include the yacht’s owner Mike Lynch and his 18 year-old daughter will continue this morning, despite warnings of thunderstorms. It is speculated that warm sea temperatures of 4°C higher than the 20-year average may have played a role in causing the tornado storm and increasing the chance of waterspouts.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(20-08-2024 08:45) Day Two: 6 still missing and 1 dead from 56m yacht Bayesian sinking in Palermo, Italy
The names of the six missing people who are still unaccounted for after the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian sunk in Palermo, Italy, early yesterday morning (Monday 18 August) have been revealed.
British tech mogul Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, as well as Morgan Stanley, chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife are still missing, alongside, Mike Lynch’s attorney Christopher Morvillo and his wife Nada.
There were 22 guests onboard when a tornado storm hit the sailing yacht Bayesian, causing the mast to break and the yacht to be thrown off balance. Along with the strong winds, the sailing yacht, which once boasted the world’s tallest aluminium mast, at a towering 75-metres, capsized and sunk around 50-metres below the water’s surface.
15 people have been safely rescued, alongside one-year-old Sofia and her 35-year-old mother Charlotte Golunski, who held her above the water until they were rescued.
Local fisherman have now joined the search, but claim they have only found debris and no survivors. Cave divers were deployed yesterday evening, with Italy’s fire brigade Vigili del Fuoco, stating that “the first inspection [by] cave divers inside the wreck was unsuccessful.”
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(19-08-2024 21:45) Live: Owner Mike Lynch and daughter among 6 missing and 1 dead from 56m yacht Bayesian sinking in Palermo, Italy
The 18 year-old daughter of tech billionaire Mike Lynch has been confirmed as the second British person missing out of six, following the sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian in Palermo, Italy.
Hannah was onboard the yacht with her father when a tornado storm hit them at 5:00 on Monday 19 August, with the yacht sinking shortly afterwards. One body has already been recovered and has been confirmed by the Palermo Coastguard to be that of the yacht’s chef.
Six people remain missing, with a search and rescue operation ongoing into the night. Francesco Venuto, spokesman for Sicily’s civil protection agency, has said he believes that bodies of the six missing people are likely to still be on the yacht.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(19-08-2024 17:30) Live: Cave divers to join search for 6 people, with 1 dead following 56m yacht Bayesian sinking in Palermo, Italy
Cave divers have now been called in to join the search for six missing people, following the sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian in Palermo, Italy.
15 people have already been rescued, including one-year-old baby Sofia and her 35-year-old mother, Charlotte, with one person already confirmed dead. Eyewitnesses say that they fear that those missing may be trapped inside the hull, which has sunk to around 50-metres.
Fisherman Giuseppe told Reuters that they saw mats and T-shirts floating in the sea, while onboard the motor yacht Francesca.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(19-08-2024 17:00) Live: Owner Mike Lynch amongst 6 missing from 56m sunken yacht Bayesian, with 1 dead in Palermo, Italy
The apparent survivors of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian, which sunk this morning in Palermo, Italy, have been pictured leaving the Coast Guard Headquarters in Porticello.
Six people are still reported missing, including the owner, 59-year-old tech billionaire Mike Lynch. The yacht had been on a number of trips recently, visiting various ports in Sicily.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(19-08-2024 15:15) Mike Lynch, owner of 56m sunken yacht Bayesian amongst six missing, with one body recovered in Palermo, Italy
The owner of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian has been reported to be amongst the six people missing, following the yacht sinking earlier this morning. The tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch has been named by British news outlets as still missing, with his wife Angela Bacares reportedly already rescued.
Local media has reported that the body of the man whose body was recovered from the sunken vessel was the chef, Rick, who was working onboard at the time. Firefighters identified the cook as they descended to the depths of around 50-metres while looking for possible survivors.
The mayor of Palermo has expressed his gratitude to the coast guard members who are continuing to search for the six missing people and that his thoughts are with those who are still not accounted for.
“My prayers at this moment are with those missing in the shipwreck of the sailing boat in Porticello. My closeness goes to the passengers and crew members rescued,” said Roberto Lagalla to Italian newspaper Giornale di Sicilia.
“I also express my heartfelt thanks to the coastguard, the firefighters and the entire rescue team that was immediately activated and is still carrying out operations.”
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(19-08-2024 14:30) Captain of boat which rescued 15 describes the moment he saw the 56m yacht Bayesian sink in Palermo, Italy
The captain of the 42-metre Sir Robert BP vessel which rescued the 15 survivors has described the moment he saw the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian sink in Palermo, Italy.
Speaking to the BBC, Karsten Borner said he saw a flare floating in the water and stabilised his own vessel before assessing the situation. Shortly afterwards, his crew discovered a life raft with more than a dozen people onboard.
“We managed to keep [our] ship in position, and after the storm was over, we noticed that the ship behind us was gone. “There was a light and we saw that the ship was aside and then we saw a triangle. So I think she went back down.”
(19-08-2024 14:15) Mother of 1-year-old survivor speaks out following 56m yacht Bayesian sinking in Palermo, Italy
The mother of the one-year old British girl Sofia who was rescued following the sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian in Palermo, Italy, has spoken out about the incident.
Speaking to the Giornale Di Sicilia newspaper, the 35-year-old mother, Charlotte, described how she managed to board a lifeboat with nearly a dozen other people as the boat capsized. “For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea, then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves.”
“I held her tightly, close to me, while the sea was stormy. Many were screaming. Luckily the lifeboat inflated and 11 of us managed to get onboard.”
The guests onboard were reportedly asleep when the tornado hit, with the yacht being overturned during the incident. Some of the guests were able to escape onto a lifeboat after finding themselves in the water.
There are currently six people missing, with one reported dead and 15 survivors.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(19-08-2024 13:30) Live: One dead and six people missing following 56m yacht Bayesian sinking in Palermo, Italy
Italian authorities have started their investigation into how the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian sank in Palermo, Italy.
The Corriere Della Sera reported that the Termini Imerese Prosecutor’s Office opened the investigation today, and that investigators have been “entrusted to the men of the Porticello Coast Guard.”
According to eyewitnesses the mast of Bayesian broke during the storm, with a spokesperson from Camper & Nicholsons, who manage the yacht, stating that Bayesian was carrying 12 guests and 10 crew members when she encountered “severe weather and subsequently sank.”
The 15 survivors are currently being supported by the the Municipality of Bagheria, the Red Cross, with the authorities providing clothing and support. Representatives from the Municipality of Santa Flavia have also offered their help.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
(19-08-2024 12:00) Live: One dead and six people missing following 56m yacht Bayesian sinking in Palermo, Italy
Firefighters have confirmed that they have recovered the “lifeless body of a man” from the water following the sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian in Palermo, Italy.
The yacht was anchored out at sea, rather than in the port, when a tornado hit in the early hours of the morning. Locals say that the storm hit with no warning, with Matthew Schanck, the chair of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, commented that while the forecast for the area raised the possibility of thunderstorms, it did not predict a sudden tornado.
Divers reportedly saw corpses through the portholes of the sunken vessel as the body of a man was recovered at a depth of around 50-metres.
15 people have already been rescued, with six people still reported as missing.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read previous updates below:
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(19-08-2024 12:00) Update: Body recovered and six people missing following 56m yacht Bayesian sinking in Palermo, Italy
Emergency services assisting in the rescue mission of seven people, following the sinking of the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian in Palermo, Italy, have recovered a body from the water. Images captured by local photographers show a body bag being carried from a boat, after seven people were reported missing and 15 were rescued when a tornado storm hit the boat on Monday morning.
Local fisherman, Pietro Asciutto, told reporters that he saw the boat sink this morning, “I was at home when the tornado hit. I immediately closed all the windows. Then I saw the boat, it had only one mast, it was very large. I saw it sink suddenly.”
“I think the tornado came from Porticello,” he added. “Shortly after I went down to the Bay of Santa Nicolicchia to get a better look at what was happening. The boat was still floating, then suddenly it disappeared. I saw it sink with my own eyes.”
Photo: Vigili del Fuoco(19-08-2024 11:00) One dead and six people missing following 56m yacht Bayesian sinking in Palermo, Italy
A body has been discovered during the search for seven people who are missing from the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian, which sunk during a storm in Palermo, Italy.
According to Italian media company Corriere Della Sera, the body of a man has now been recovered from the wreck, with the search continuing to find the remaining six people. It is has been reported by some news agencies that the yacht was anchored during the tornado storm, but locals say that the yacht was not anchored inside the port during the bad weather.
According to the social media profile of local firefighters, the Vigili del Fuoco, Bayesian has sunk to around 50-metres. Emergency services were deployed, with 15 people rescued by the 42-metre Sir Robert BP vessel, including a one-year-old British girl who was taken to the Children’s Hospital in Palermo. According to Domenico Cipolla, Head of the Emergency Room at the pediatric hospital, the girl is in good condition.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available. You can read the full story below:
(19-08-2024 10:00) Seven people missing following 56m yacht Bayesian sinking in Palermo, Italy
The 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Bayesian has sunk off the coast of Palermo, Italy, with 22 people onboard and seven people still missing. Local news reports state that Bayesian sank around 5:00 on Monday 19 August, due to a storm in a stretch of sea close to Porticello, in the province of Palermo. Emergency services were deployed, with 15 people rescued, including a one-year-old child who was taken to the Children’s Hospital in Palermo.
According to online news broadcaster La Sicilia, the search is currently underway for the yacht’s chef, as well as four British guests, a Canadian and two Americans, who are still missing. Divers and a helicopter are continuing to search, alongside the coast guard and local firefighters.
15 rescued and seven still missing
“Due to the bad weather that hit the Palermo area, a sailing boat of about 50-metres with 22 people onboard sank around 5am in the stretch of sea in front of Porticello in the province of Palermo. 15 were rescued by coast guard patrol boats and firefighters,” stated the news agency ANSA.
It is believed that the boat sank due to poor sailing conditions about half a mile from the coast and that the captain will be interviewed by the police.
Bayesian
Bayesian was delivered in 2008 by Italian yacht builder Perini Navi. She features exterior design by her builder, with interior penned by Rémi Tessier and naval architecture by Ron Holland Design.
Bayesian can accommodate up to 12 guests across a six stateroom configuration. Together with her streamlined, full aluminium hull and 1,500 square-metres of sail, she can reach speeds of 15.5 knots. Under power, she boasts a maximum cruising range of 3,600 nautical miles at 13 knots, with power coming from twin Caterpillar C-32 diesel engines.
SuperYacht Times will continue to monitor this situation and update this article with information as it becomes available.
