Captain of Bayesian superyacht faces manslaughter investigation after tragic sinking of Sicily – CGWALL USA News

Bayesian yacht sinking in Sicily

Sicily, Italy – The captain of the luxury superyacht Bayesianwhich tragically sank off the coast of Sicily on August 19, is being investigated for manslaughter, according to Italian reports. Seven people were killed in the fatal incident, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah.

James Cutfield, the yacht's 51-year-old New Zealand captain, is currently being investigated by Italian prosecutors who are looking into whether his actions – or possible negligence – may have contributed to the sinking. The disaster occurred when the Bayesiana 56-metre (184-foot) long vessel, capsized during a sudden and severe weather event near Porticello, Sicily. Sicily Bayesian Yacht Sinking

Cutfield has already been questioned twice by investigators, most recently on Sunday. Under maritime law, a ship's captain bears full responsibility for the safety of the ship, its crew and all passengers. Prosecutors are now investigating whether the yacht's crew followed proper safety protocols in the hours before the storm.

Questions have been raised about the yacht's operational readiness when the storm struck. There has been speculation about whether all hatches were properly secured and whether the retractable keel was fully extended while the yacht was at anchor. Giovanni Costantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which includes yacht builder Perini Navi, said “unspeakable, unjustified errors” may have led to the yacht's rapid sinking. Costantino stressed that the storm was clearly visible on weather maps and said the crew should have been better prepared.

The naval architect Franco Romani, who was involved in the design of the Bayesianshared these concerns, explaining that the yacht was built to withstand all weather conditions. Romani believes a side hatch may have been left open, allowing water to enter the yacht. The investigation is also looking at whether the ship's crew were adequately trained and whether proper emergency procedures were followed.

The investigation is further complicated by the existence of conflicting information about how quickly the Bayesian sank. Initial reports said the yacht sank in just two minutes, but Costantino pointed out that data from the ship shows it took 16 minutes to sink, raising the question of why more passengers were not evacuated in time.

Of the 22 people on board, 15 survived the disaster, including Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares, whose company BayesianAs part of the ongoing investigation, prosecutors are also examining the conduct of other crew members who were on duty during the storm.

This sensational case has sent shockwaves through the maritime community, as the Bayesian was considered an “unsinkable” ship. The outcome of this investigation will not only determine the legal consequences for Captain Cutfield and the crew, but could also prompt a reassessment of safety standards for luxury yachts operating in dangerous conditions.