In a complex underwater operation, Italian special forces divers are working to recover crucial evidence from the wreckage of a sunken superyacht. The vessel, owned by Mike Lynch, a prominent British tech entrepreneur, sank off the coast of Sicily approximately 23 days ago, resulting in seven fatalities.
The elite divers, members of Comsubin, Italy's naval special forces unit established in 1952, are tasked with retrieving video surveillance equipment from the yacht, named Bayesian. This specialized unit, comparable to Britain's Special Boat Service, is venturing 165 feet beneath the sea's surface to access the wreck.
Investigators are hopeful that the recovered surveillance footage will shed light on the events leading to the yacht's sinking during a severe storm. It is believed that the vessel may have been struck by a downburst, a meteorological phenomenon capable of causing damage similar to a small tornado.
The tragedy claimed the lives of Mike Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, and five others, including prominent figures from the business and legal worlds. Fifteen individuals survived the incident, including the yacht's captain, James Cutfield.
"The objective is to find out elements of the situation which led to the sinking."
The investigation has taken on international dimensions, with the captain and two British crew members under scrutiny. However, it's important to note that under the Italian legal system, being under investigation does not imply guilt or guarantee charges will be filed.
Plans are underway to raise the Bayesian from the seabed, a complex operation that will require extensive expertise. Nick Sloane, the salvage master who led the Costa Concordia recovery operation 12 years ago, outlined the challenging process. It will involve removing the yacht's mast and rigging, emptying fuel tanks, and using specialized equipment to lift the vessel.
The recovery operation will likely employ Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), which have become crucial in deep-sea operations and research. These underwater robots will assist divers in the intricate task of preparing the yacht for salvage.
Amidst the investigation, Giovanni Costantino, CEO of the company that built the Bayesian, has suggested human error as a potential cause. He emphasized the yacht's design as "unsinkable" and pointed to a critical 16-minute window between the storm's impact and the vessel's sinking.
As the investigation continues, it highlights the complexities of maritime law and the challenges of conducting thorough inquiries in international waters. The incident also underscores the increasing frequency of severe weather events in the Mediterranean, a trend that has been observed in recent years.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with seafaring, even with modern technology and safety systems. As the recovery operation progresses, it may not only provide closure for the families affected but also contribute valuable insights to maritime safety practices worldwide.