A luxury superyacht carrying foreign tourists capsized and sank off Sicily in bad weather. The ship, called the “Bayesian,” had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, including British, American, and Canadian nationals. Local media reported that a sudden storm, including tornados over water known as waterspouts, had battered the area overnight. Skies were clear and seas calm by Monday morning when the ship capsized around 5 a.m.
Fifteen people were rescued, with eight taken to shore in Porticello near Palermo and hospitalized. One body was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for. The Italian fire rescue service, along with deep-water police divers, located the ship at a depth of 50 meters off Porticello. Rescue operations involving helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue, and civil protection service were underway to access the hull and search for the missing individuals.
The yacht had an unusually tall single 75-meter mast made of aluminum, making it one of the world’s tallest. It was listed for charter for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week. The vessel, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple, and the master suite, along with crew accommodations. It had previously been named the “Salute” when it flew under a Dutch flag and featured a sleek, minimalist interior designed by French designer Remi Tessier with Japanese accents.
The seven individuals still missing included one crew member and six passengers, according to the coast guard. The operations to search for the missing persons were visible from shore as helicopters and rescue boats worked to access the sunken yacht. The British-flagged yacht had a luxurious interior with light wood and Japanese accents created by designer Remi Tessier.
The tragic incident highlights the dangers of sailing in bad weather and the importance of prompt and effective rescue efforts. The fact that one body was found suggests the severity of the situation and the challenges faced by rescue teams in locating and retrieving those who remain missing. The capsizing of the superyacht off the coast of Sicily serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with maritime travel, even aboard luxury vessels.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the yacht and determine what caused it to capsize. The focus remains on finding the missing individuals and ensuring their safe return to shore. The community in Porticello and beyond is left mourning the loss of life and offering support to those affected by the tragedy. As the search and rescue operations continue, the hope remains for a successful outcome and closure for the families and loved ones of those involved in the capsizing.
