A 39-year-old Dutch diver tragically lost his life while working on the salvage of the superyacht Bayesian off the coast of Sicily on May 9, 2025. The diver, employed by a Dutch salvage company, reportedly became unwell during a dive at a depth of 49 meters. Despite the efforts of rescuers on board the two ships involved in the salvage operation, who attempted to resuscitate him, he could not be saved. Italian police and the coast guard also responded to the scene but were unable to revive him.
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing recovery efforts for the Bayesian, a luxurious 56-meter yacht valued at over 22 million euros. Owned by British tech billionaire Mike Lynch and his wife Angela Bacares, the yacht sank during severe weather conditions on August 19, 2024, while anchored east of Palermo. The storm resulted in the tragic loss of seven out of the 22 people on board, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah.
The diver's body was subsequently transported to the port of Porticello, where further arrangements are being made. Two Dutch companies, Smit Salvage and Hebo Maritiem, are collaborating in the salvage operation, which is being led by the British firm TMC. Preparations for the recovery of the Bayesian have been underway for some time, with the heavy crane ship Hebo 10 and the multifunctional work vessel Hebo 2 currently on-site.
It remains unclear how the Bayesian sank, as it was designed to withstand harsh weather. Investigators suspect that a sudden gust of wind may have caused seawater to flood an open hatch, leading to the yacht capsizing. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, and the ship will be handed over to Italian authorities following its recovery.
Three crew members of the Bayesian, including captain James Cutfield, are currently under investigation for manslaughter and causing a maritime disaster. The inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the sinking cannot be finalized until the vessel is successfully brought to the surface.
The diver's death has sparked discussions regarding safety protocols in underwater salvage operations, especially in light of the risks associated with deep-sea diving. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to confirm the diver's death, as no request for consular assistance has been received.
The Bayesian was not only a symbol of luxury but also a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those working in maritime salvage. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims and the survivor community hope for clarity regarding the events that led to the yacht's sinking.
In the aftermath of this incident, many are left questioning the safety measures in place for divers and the protocols followed during salvage operations. The tragic loss of the diver highlights the inherent dangers of the profession, particularly in challenging environments like the Mediterranean Sea.
As the salvage operation progresses, the hope remains that the recovery of the Bayesian will provide answers to the many questions surrounding its sinking and the events that transpired on that fateful day in August 2024. The maritime community is closely watching as details continue to emerge from this ongoing investigation.
The diver's dedication to his work and the risks he undertook are a testament to the bravery of those in the salvage industry. As the recovery efforts continue, the focus will be on ensuring that such tragedies do not occur in the future.
With the ongoing investigation and the complexities involved in recovering the Bayesian, the maritime world is reminded of the challenges faced by those who risk their lives in the pursuit of recovery and safety at sea.
