Accident off Sicily
Sinking of the “Bayesian”: Captain is now among the suspects
The investigation into the sinking of the sailing yacht “Bayesian” off Sicily is ongoing
© Handout/Perini Navi Press Office/NPK Ansa / Imago Images
In Italy, investigators are looking into how and why the luxury yacht “Bayesian” sank off the coast of Sicily. The crew and captain are apparently coming into focus.
After the sinking of the luxury yacht “Bayesian” off the coast of Sicily with seven fatalities, the public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation against the captain, according to Italian media reports. the news agency Ansa and the Daily newspaper “La Repubblica” reportedhe is being investigated for negligent homicide and shipwreck. He was questioned for the second time within a week on Sunday.
According to the reports, the questions included whether doors and hatches were open during the accident or not, and when the alarm was triggered. Specifically, it seems to be about a hatch in the stern of the ship through which watercraft such as jet skis are taken on board. There is also said to have been a door from this type of garage to the engine room. According to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” Witnesses have stated that the ship sank stern first. It is therefore conceivable that water entered the engine room through the open hatch and that is how the sinking took its course.
Media reports also say that the ship’s centerboard was not all the way down. This actually makes it possible to navigate shallower waters and harbors – but it is not necessary when anchoring several hundred meters off the coast. This also means that the ship’s center of gravity is higher and there is less weight to counteract the wind hitting the enormous mast. The ship tilts more than when the centerboard and its ballast are at their lowest point in the water.
Captain among the suspects
The captain is primarily responsible for the safety of passengers, crew and ship. Therefore, after the last questioning, he was added to the list of suspects. The other crew members are currently also being questioned by investigators. It cannot be ruled out that the investigation will also target some crew members.
Luxury with wind power
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The accident near the shore of the Italian Mediterranean island last Monday claimed the lives of British billionaire Mike Lynch, 59, and his 18-year-old daughter, as well as two married couples and the ship’s cook. 15 people were rescued. The extremely wealthy software entrepreneur had wanted to celebrate his acquittal in court on the sailing trip with family, friends and business partners.
Storm hits ships off Sicily
According to investigators, the “Bayesian” was hit by a gust of wind at around 4 a.m. in a storm with wind speeds of more than 100 kilometers per hour. It sank within a few minutes. It is suspected that the victims were surprised while sleeping in their cabins and were unable to escape the water.
Sources: dpa, “Sueddeutsche.de”, Ansa, “The Republic”.