An investigation has been launched into the sinking of the superyacht Bayesian off the Sicilian coast, which resulted in the deaths of seven people. The investigation is focused on the crime of culpable shipwreck and multiple manslaughter, but prosecutors have stated that no individuals are currently being targeted. It is believed that the sinking may have been caused by behaviors that were not in order, and there are questions regarding the responsibilities of the crew in warning the passengers of the impending danger. The passengers who perished in the accident were likely asleep and unable to escape the sinking vessel.
The captain of the Bayesian, James Cutfield, is expected to undergo more questioning as part of the investigation. Cutfield has already been interviewed for over two hours and has been described as cooperative by prosecutors. While there is no legal obligation for the captain, crew, and passengers to remain in Italy, authorities are expecting their full cooperation in the investigation. Questions have also been raised about the weather conditions at the time of the sinking, with initial reports suggesting that there was good visibility and no extreme weather forecasted during the hours leading up to the accident.
Survivors of the tragedy have described the sinking as happening suddenly and without warning, giving the passengers little time to react. Among the casualties was British tech magnate Mike Lynch, known as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” and his daughter Hannah, who was the last to be found after a five-day rescue operation. The other victims included Lynch’s associates and their partners, such as Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and his wife Judy, as well as Christopher Morvillo, a well-known NYC defense attorney, and his wife Neda. The body of Recaldo Thomas, the ship’s cook and a Canadian Antiguan national, was also recovered shortly after the incident.
Prosecutors have emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and that all possibilities are being considered. The focus remains on determining the causes of the shipwreck and the responsibilities of the crew in ensuring the safety of the passengers. The survivors of the tragedy have been treated by Italian medics and have provided accounts of the sinking, shedding light on the events that led to the loss of life. Authorities are urging full cooperation from all parties involved in the investigation, including the captain, crew, and passengers, in order to uncover the truth behind this tragic accident.
