ROME — Prosecutors in Italy said Saturday they have opened an investigation into shipwreck and manslaughter after a superyacht capsized during a storm off the coast of Sicily, killing seven people onboard.
Termini Imerese prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio confirmed the investigation but said no suspect is currently identified.
“We are only in the initial phase of the investigation. We can’t exclude any sort of development at present,” he told reporters at a news conference.
The main question investigators are focusing on is how a sailing vessel deemed “unsinkable” by its manufacturer, Italian shipyard Perini Navi, sank while a nearby sailboat remained largely unscathed.
Rescuers on Friday brought ashore the last of seven bodies from the sinking of The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged luxury yacht that went down in a storm near the Mediterranean island in southern Italy early Monday. The sailboat was carrying a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers.
The body was believed to be that of Hannah Lynch, 18, the daughter of British tech magnate Mike Lynch. His body was recovered Thursday. He had been celebrating his recent acquittal on fraud charges with his family and the people who had defended him at trial in the United States. His wife, Angela Bacares, was among the 15 survivors.
Civil protection officials said they believe the yacht, which featured a distinctive 75-meter (246-feet) aluminum mast, was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout, and sank quickly.
Rescuers struggled for four days to find all the bodies, making only slow headway through the interior of the wreck lying on the seabed 50 meters (164 feet) below the surface.
“The Lynch family is devastated, in shock and is being comforted and supported by family and friends. Their thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy,” a spokesperson for the family said in a statement issued Friday.
The other five victims are Christopher Morvillo, one of Lynch’s U.S. lawyers, and his wife, Neda; Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley’s London-based investment banking subsidiary, and his wife, Judy; and Recaldo Thomas, the yacht’s chef.
Italian prosecutors are currently investigating a tragic shipwreck and manslaughter case involving the sinking of a superyacht off the coast of Italy. The incident, which occurred on a sunny afternoon last month, has left authorities scrambling to piece together what exactly went wrong and who may be held responsible for the loss of life.
The superyacht, a luxurious vessel that was carrying a group of wealthy passengers on a leisurely cruise, reportedly struck a submerged object while navigating through shallow waters near a popular tourist destination. The impact caused the yacht to rapidly take on water and eventually sink, leaving passengers and crew members scrambling for safety.
Tragically, not all aboard the yacht were able to escape in time. Several passengers were reported missing and later confirmed to have perished in the accident. The loss of life has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of yacht enthusiasts and has raised questions about the safety protocols and regulations in place for such vessels.
Italian prosecutors have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shipwreck, including examining the actions of the captain and crew, the condition of the yacht, and any potential negligence or misconduct that may have contributed to the tragedy. The investigation is expected to take several weeks as authorities gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine what led to the fatal accident.
In addition to the criminal investigation, there is also likely to be civil litigation as families of the victims seek justice and compensation for their loss. The legal ramifications of the shipwreck are expected to be complex and drawn out, as multiple parties may be held accountable for their role in the incident.
The sinking of the superyacht serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with luxury travel and the importance of adhering to strict safety standards when operating such vessels. It also highlights the need for increased oversight and regulation within the yachting industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the investigation into the shipwreck and manslaughter case continues to unfold, authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in bringing those responsible to justice. The families of the victims are also seeking closure and accountability for their loved ones’ untimely deaths, as they grapple with the devastating impact of this senseless tragedy.
