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Mainsail boom recovered

During the salvage operations on the "Bayesian", a central component has been brought to the surface with the vessel's mainsail boom having been been recovered by the sheerleg 'Hebo Lift 10' (IMO: 8010506) and deposited on the deck of the crane barge 'Hebo Lift 2' (MMSI: 244890515) on May 19. An anchor and anchor chain have also lifted from a depth of around 50 meters. The mainsail boom will allow investigators – including the Coast Guard and the Labor Inspectorate – to further clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of a 39-year-old diver. The Dutch man died on May 9 while working on the wreck. Divers had descended to a depth of 49 meters to cut through the yacht's mast. There was evidence that the 39-year-old was struck by a piece of metal while handling a cutting torch. Report with photos and video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEyYXA6CH9I https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14727675/First-major-piece-Bayesian-superyacht-raised-seabed-sank-summer-killing-British-billionaire-Mike-Lynch.html

Salvage work resumed after fatal accident

On May 15 the work to prepare for the salvage of the 'Bayesian' has resumed. It was halted after the death of a Dutch diver from Smit Salvage on May 9. The victim was probably hit by a piece of steel, possibly the boom, after an explosion while working with a cutting torch. An autopsy in a clinic in Palermo should provide clarity on this. The salvage operation is led by the British TMC Marine and carried out by Smit Salvage and Hebo Maritiemservice. Just before the work was stopped, TMC thought it would need another ten days or so for the preparatory work, including removing the boom and mast.

MAIB published interim accident report, pointing at stability issues

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released an interim report detailing the sinking of the 'Bayesian' off Sicily’s northern coast on Aug 19, 2024, approximately 0.5 nautical miles southeast of Porticello, which revealed critical stability issues that may have contributed to the disaster. The yacht was found to be vulnerable to high winds when in specific conditions – particularly when motoring with sails lowered, centreboard raised, and in ‘loaded arrival’ condition (i.e. 10% consumables on board). These vulnerabilities were not documented in the vessel’s stability information book and were unknown to both the owner and crew. The technical analysis showed that wind speeds exceeding 63.4 knots on the beam could potentially capsize the vessel, and once the yacht heeled beyond 70.6 degrees, recovery was impossible. The Met Office study confirmed that hurricane-force winds exceeding 64 knots were present during the accident. The weather conditions had shown warning signs. Early Italian forecasts had predicted intense rain and thunderstorms with strong wind gusts, and at 9 p.m. UTC on Aug 18, a gale warning was issued for the region. Local weather stations recorded a sudden wind increase from 5 to 41 knots just minutes before the accident. At 03.55 a.m., a crew member documented the approaching storm on social media. By 03.57 a.m., both the 'Bayesian' and the nearby yacht 'Sir Robert Baden Powell' began dragging their anchors in deteriorating weather conditions. The situation escalated at 04.06 a.m., when the wind suddenly increased to over 70 knots. The 'Bayesian' violently heeled to 90 degrees starboard in less than 15 seconds, causing generators to fail and throwing people and objects across the deck. While the extreme winds were sufficient to capsize the yacht, once it heeled beyond 70 degrees, the situation became irrecoverable. Despite rescue efforts by crew members, including the deployment of emergency beacons and a liferaft, seven people – six guests and one crew member – lost their lives in the accident. The survivors were eventually rescued by the tender from the 'Sir Robert Baden Powell' after responding to distress flares. The investigation is ongoing, with criminal proceedings being conducted in parallel by Italian authorities. The MAIB noted that a full examination of the wreck, once salvaged, will provide crucial information about the vessel’s condition at the time of the accident. The MAIB’s ongoing investigation will focus on multiple aspects, including the yacht’s design, stability, escape routes, operation, and emergency procedures. The findings of this interim report are considered indicative pending the completion of the full investigation. The results will be refined as the investigation proceeds, and more information becomes available.