Marine experts have commenced the recovery of the 56-meter British-flagged superyacht Bayesian from the seabed off the coast of Sicily, where it tragically sank last summer, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah.
The operation, which began on May 4, 2025, involves two floating cranes, Hebo Lift 2 and Hebo Lift 10, with the latter recognized as one of the most powerful maritime cranes in Europe. Hebo Lift 10 arrived at the port of Termini Imerese in Sicily from Rotterdam just a day prior, on May 3, 2025, to assist with the salvage efforts.
According to Italian Coast Guard Captain Nicola Silvestri, the recovery process is expected to last between 20 and 25 days. The initial phase of operations will involve underwater operators and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to prepare for the lifting of the vessel, which lies approximately 49 meters below the surface.
The Bayesian sank on August 19, 2024, following a severe storm that caused a sudden and powerful burst of wind. The yacht was anchored about 300 meters from the small fishing village of Porticello, located roughly 15 kilometers east of Palermo, when disaster struck. In just 16 minutes, the yacht capsized, leading to a harrowing rescue operation.
Of the 22 people on board, only 15 managed to escape into a life raft, aided by nearby vessels. Tragically, Lynch, his daughter, and five others perished in the incident. The victims included Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, his wife Judy, attorney Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda, and the ship's cook Recaldo Thomas. Initial rescue efforts recovered one body, while the remaining six were found following extensive search operations that continued until August 23, 2024.
The investigation into the sinking has drawn significant attention, with Italian prosecutors examining the actions of the yacht's captain and two crew members for potential negligence. Reports suggest that the captain and crew may have ignored severe weather warnings, leading to the yacht's tragic fate. Giovanni Costantino, the CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which built the yacht, stated that human error played a critical role in the sinking, noting that "the yacht sank because it took on water," and highlighted several alleged mistakes made by the crew.
In preparation for the lifting operation, the yacht's 75-meter aluminum mast, one of the tallest in the world, will be cut to facilitate the recovery of the hull. This decision reflects the need to reduce the wind resistance that contributed to the yacht's instability during the storm. Experts believe that the mast's considerable surface area may have exacerbated the yacht's heel, potentially leading to its rapid capsizing.
As the recovery operation unfolds, the area surrounding the wreck has been cordoned off, with strict prohibitions on swimming, fishing, and diving within a 650-meter radius. This measure aims to ensure the safety of personnel involved in the salvage efforts and to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The cost of the salvage operation is estimated to be around £20 million, with a consortium of insurers, led by British Marine, officially launching the recovery plans in December 2024. The salvage team comprises approximately 80 experts from various European countries, all working collaboratively to raise the wreck from its resting place on the seabed.
Once the yacht is successfully lifted, it will be transported back to Termini Imerese, where investigators will conduct a thorough examination of the wreckage to uncover the precise causes of the accident. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) in the UK has indicated that it hopes to publish an interim report on the incident in the coming weeks, with a final report expected to follow in months.
The recovery of the Bayesian not only represents a significant technical challenge but also serves as a crucial step in understanding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. As investigations continue, many questions remain unanswered regarding the decisions made by the crew and the factors that contributed to the yacht's swift demise.
As the recovery efforts proceed, families and friends of the victims await answers, hoping that the findings from the investigation will shed light on the factors that led to this heartbreaking event.
The tragic sinking of the Bayesian has sparked discussions about safety regulations in the yachting industry, particularly concerning the responsibilities of crew members and the importance of adhering to weather warnings. Observers are keenly watching how the investigation unfolds and what implications it may have for future maritime safety practices.
As this operation unfolds over the coming weeks, the world will be watching closely, hoping for a safe and successful recovery of the vessel and answers for the families of those lost in this tragic incident.
