Bayesian Superyacht Salvage Postponed After Tragic Sinking Off Sicily

The salvage of the sunken superyacht Bayesian, which tragically went down off the coast of Sicily last year resulting in the loss of seven lives, has been temporarily postponed. This delay is due to the need for better weather conditions and approval of a final salvage plan. The hull of the yacht is considered a crucial piece of evidence in an ongoing criminal investigation, and the local prosecutor has imposed strict physical preservation restrictions on the salvage process, adding to the technical challenges of raising a vessel from deep water.

Bayesian, formerly known as Salute, was a 180-foot aluminum-hulled sailing yacht renowned for its single aluminum mast, which was once the tallest of its kind in the world. The yacht sank during a sudden and severe windstorm on August 19, 2024. Despite the efforts of rescuers, only 15 passengers and crew were saved, while seven individuals, including the owner Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah, lost their lives. The vessel now rests in 160 feet of water, making it accessible to divers only for limited periods.

The shipbuilder has denied any technical faults with the yacht’s design or construction, claiming it to be unsinkable. Instead, the firm has blamed the crew for “incredible mistakes” leading to the yacht’s loss. Local prosecutors in Sicily are investigating the possibility of crew error, focusing on crewmembers Tim Eaton and Matthew Griffith, as well as the yacht’s master James Cutfield. The salvage operation is expected to begin in the spring, as winter weather conditions off Sicily are deemed unsuitable for such a delicate operation.

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