Three crew members of the Bayesian superyacht are under investigation for negligence, recklessness, and failing to prevent the vessel from sinking during a storm, according to Italian prosecutors. Captain James Cutfield, chief engineer Timothy Parker Eaton, and deckhand Matthew Griffiths face potential criminal charges following the yacht’s sinking off Porticello, Sicily, which resulted in the deaths of seven out of 22 people onboard.
The investigation reveals that Griffiths, who was on night watch, failed to recognize that the yacht had taken on water and did not alert Cutfield or take necessary emergency measures. Cutfield, in turn, did not inform passengers about the imminent danger. The yacht, touted as “unsinkable,” sank rapidly during a freak storm on August 19, 2024, in less than 16 minutes.
While human error and the storm contributed to the tragedy, formal charges will not be filed until the yacht is raised and examined. Recovery efforts began on April 30, involving advanced technology and costing an estimated $30 million, funded by the yacht’s insurer. The investigation will continue to uncover the reasons behind the sinking and any potential legal ramifications for the crew.
