British Investigators to Probe Designer of Sunken Superyacht Bayesian

British investigators are expected to reach out to Ron Holland, the designer of the superyacht Bayesian, which recently sank off the coast of Sicily. The vessel, owned by tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, went down in the early hours of August 19, 2024, with 22 people on board.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), established in 1989, is prioritizing the collection of "perishable evidence" from the incident. Gavin Pritchard, a former MAIB inspector, explained that this includes interviewing survivors and gathering electronic data such as radar tracks and voice recordings.

"Right now it's on-site evidence collection. They want to see what the wreck looks like, and they'll want to interview the people who were on board."

The key question investigators are focusing on is why the Bayesian sank so rapidly, reportedly within 60 seconds of encountering a tornado or waterspout. This unusual weather phenomenon, typically occurring over water, may have played a significant role in the yacht's demise.

Italian authorities are examining the wreck, which lies about 50 meters deep near Porticello, a small fishing village in northern Sicily. They are investigating whether any portholes or windows were open at the time of the incident. This depth is relatively shallow compared to the Mediterranean Sea's average depth of 1,500 meters, potentially aiding the investigation.

The Bayesian, built around 2008, featured a 237-foot aluminum mast, the second tallest of its kind in the world. While aluminum masts are known for their lightness and flexibility compared to steel, this feature may have increased the vessel's vulnerability to extreme weather events.

Mike Lynch had organized the cruise to celebrate the end of legal disputes related to his 2011 sale of Autonomy to Hewlett Packard. The timing of the sinking, coinciding with this celebration, adds a layer of irony to the tragic event.

Pritchard emphasized that the MAIB's role is not to attribute blame but to identify safety lessons for the wider maritime community. This investigation may lead to improved safety measures for superyachts, which typically exceed 24 meters in length and often feature advanced weather monitoring systems.

The sinking of the Bayesian is particularly noteworthy as such incidents involving large vessels are relatively rare in modern times. This event underscores the importance of watertight doors and other crucial safety features in marine vessels, even in well-designed and thoroughly checked yachts.

As climate change contributes to more frequent extreme weather events, the maritime industry may need to reassess design and safety standards for all vessels, from small boats to supertankers. The Bayesian investigation could provide valuable insights into enhancing maritime safety in an era of increasing environmental challenges.