Italy yacht sinking probe widens with two Britons under investigation as ex-captain shares insight on boat
The swift sinking of the 56-metre yacht has puzzled experts, given its advanced design and safety feature
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Italian prosecutors have widened their investigation into the deadly sinking of the Bayesian superyacht off Sicily, now focusing on three crew members.
The incident, which occurred on August 19, claimed seven lives, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah.
Captain James Cutfield, a New Zealand citizen, was initially placed under investigation. Now, British engineer Tim Parker Eaton and sailor Matthew Griffith have also been included in the probe.
The three are being investigated for potential manslaughter and shipwreck offences.
The swift sinking of the 56-metre yacht has puzzled experts, given its advanced design and safety featureREUTERSParker Eaton, who was in charge of the engine room, is accused of failing to properly check that the yacht's windows were closed and watertight compartments activated. Griffith was on watch duty during the incident.
The swift sinking of the 56-metre yacht has puzzled experts, given its advanced design and safety features.
Stephen Edwards, a former captain of the Bayesian, has shed light on the yacht's design and safety features. He stated: "The vessel Bayesian was sound and seaworthy by design, and to my knowledge well maintained as such.
"However, heeling her to more than around 45 degrees while in normal operational state could result in flooding and subsequent loss if the flooding could not be controlled."
Edwards explained that the yacht's "Downflooding Angle" was around 40-45 degrees, at which point water could enter through ventilation ducts.
He added: "The weather conditions that could have created these extreme circumstances can indeed occur with very little warning and being so localised are difficult to prepare for, leaving a very short time for the crew to react."
The insights raise questions about the yacht's position and crew response during the sudden storm that led to its sinking.
The Bayesian, built in 2008 by Italian luxury yacht maker Perini Navi, was considered "one of the safest boats in the world" according to Giovanni Costantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group which owns Perini.
Eerie CCTV footage shows how the superyacht slipped out of sight in a matter of secondsReutersThe yacht featured the world's tallest aluminium mast, measuring 72 metres.
Edwards noted that the vessel had an extra 30 tonnes of lead ballast compared to sister ships, to counter the tall mast's effects.
He explained: "The main lead ballast was contained in a more or less rectangular box (keel box) attached below the canoe shaped part of the hull."
Despite these safety measures, the yacht sank rapidly during a severe weather event described as a "downburst" by prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano.
Italian prosecutors are leading the investigation
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The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors stating it will take time and require salvaging the wreck, which currently lies on its right side at a depth of around 50 metres.
The tragedy claimed seven lives, including Mike Lynch, 59, his daughter Hannah, 18, and Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy.
US lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda also perished in the incident.
Fifteen people, including Lynch's wife, survived the sinking.