Bayesian Yacht Sinks Off Sicily Killing Seven After Extreme Winds Reveal Design Flaws

The sinking of the superyacht Bayesian off the Sicilian coast last year, which resulted in seven deaths including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter, has been attributed to extreme and violent winds, particularly a downburst with wind speeds exceeding 117 km/h. British investigators from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found that design vulnerabilities, such as the yacht's retractable keel and towering mast, combined with the crew's and owner's lack of awareness of these weaknesses, made the vessel susceptible to capsizing quickly when struck by sudden high-speed winds. The yacht, which was described by its Italian manufacturer as 'unsinkable,' overturned within seconds while moored with its sails lowered and centreboard raised, conditions that increased its instability in the storm. The incident contradicts claims by the builders that the sinking was due to human error, as the MAIB's report highlights structural flaws and inadequate stability documentation. Salvage operations have been ongoing but were temporarily halted after a diver died during recovery efforts. Investigations continue both in the UK and Italy, with the captain and crew under scrutiny for their response to the storm warnings.