BAYESIAN

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Salvage start fixed

The start of the salvage of the "Bayesian" has been set for April 20 . The complex operation is intended to bring clarity into the cause of the sinking on a water depth of 50 meters deep off the coast of Porticello. The sinking of the yacht on Aug19, 2024, has left many unanswered questions. Experts have speculated about the causes of the rapid sinking. One theory waas that open hull flaps such as the large stern platform or the side boarding platform could have played a role. But even in this case, watertight bulkheads between the lazarette, engine room and cabins should have prevented an immediate sinking - unless one of the bulkhead doors was open. Another hypothesis focused on the wind attack surface of the mast. Even without sails set, the massive mast in combination with hurricane gusts could have caused a strong heeling. This in turn would have partially lifted the hull out of the water and given the wind additional attack surface. The lifting keel of the "Bayesian", which could vary between 4.05 and 9.38 meters in draft, could have further reduced the righting moment in the raised position. The salvage will be carried out by a consortium of insurers led by British Marine. The plan is to first turn the yacht onto its keel and then bring it to the surface using cranes or innovative buoyancy systems. After being raised, the "Bayesian" will be taken to Palermo for a forensic examination. This examination is of crucial importance as an investigation into manslaughter and murder is underway in Italy. At the same time, an inquest into the deaths of four British victims has been opened in the Coroner's Court in Ipswich in the United Kingdom. The findings could have far-reaching consequences for the safety standards of superyachts and possibly lead to changes in design and construction.

Salvage scheduled to commence in April

After more than eight months, the salvage of the "Bayesian" has been scheduled to begin on April 20. The specialist company commissioned to do the work is expected to have raised the wreck by mid-May. Apart from the 75-meter-high mast, all parts of the "Bayesian" will be salvaged. In November, it was reported that neither the mast would be cut off nor fuel and oil drained from the tanks in order not to destroy evidence. After the salvage, the ship will be brought to the port of Termini Imerese near Palermo, where the responsible public prosecutor's office is also based. The public prosecutor's office hopes that the salvage will provide information about the cause of the sinking. Investigations have been launched against the captain and two other members of the crew. But there is also the question of whether the Italian shipyard is to blame for the sinking of the yacht.

Salvage expected for mid-April

On Feb 6 it was stated that the 'Bayesian' would be recovered after its mast was dismantled. The salvage operation is expected to start around the middle of April from a water depth around 50 meters. The Italian prosecutors and Coastguard selected a project for recovery led by TMC Marine Consultants Ltd. This involves removing the mast of 72 metres lenght from the water, separately from the rest the vessel. Other salvage plans that involved turning the 55.9 metre yacht, weighing 534 tons, nearly 90 degrees on seabed, without dismantling the mast, were rejected due to their complexity. Three crew members are still under investigation by prosecutors in Termini Imerese near Palermo: Captain James Cutfield and ship engineer Tim Parker Eaton. The suspects are suspected of manslaughter, and they may have caused a shipwreck. The investigation would not be complete until the wreck was removed from the water, according to the prosecutors. After the 'Bayesian' is raised and repositioned on the seabed, it will be transported to Palermo, which is about 8.4 nautical mile away, to investigate what caused the accident and to recover any sensitive information on board.