Crew Member Recounts Harrowing Moments of Superyacht Sinking Off Sicily
A British sailor provides testimony about the sinking of Mike Lynch's yacht off Sicily, resulting in seven deaths. Investigators probe potential negligence as survivors recount dramatic rescue efforts.
On August 19, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Sicily when the superyacht Bayesian, owned by Mike Lynch, sank in a violent storm. The event, which occurred just over a year ago, claimed seven lives, including that of the British tech entrepreneur and his 18-year-old daughter.
Matthew Griffiths, a 22-year-old crew member on watch duty, has provided investigators with a detailed account of the harrowing experience. Griffiths reported alerting the captain when wind speeds reached 20 knots, initiating emergency procedures to secure the vessel. Despite these efforts, the yacht succumbed to the storm's intensity within a mere 16 minutes.
The sinking occurred near Porticello, a small fishing village on Sicily's northern coast. Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is known for its beautiful coastlines but can also experience sudden, severe storms called "medicanes." These extreme weather events pose significant challenges even to well-equipped vessels like superyachts, which often cost tens of millions of dollars and are designed with advanced safety features.
Griffiths described the chaotic moments as the yacht tilted, causing passengers and crew to fall into the water. He recounted their desperate attempts to rescue those they could, with crew members navigating the yacht's walls as it listed severely. Among those saved was a British passenger who fought to protect her one-year-old daughter amidst the darkness and turbulent waters.
The incident has prompted a thorough investigation by Italian authorities, led by Chief Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio. Three crew members, including Griffiths, Captain James Cutfield, and engineer Tim Parker Eaton, are under scrutiny for potential negligence. Investigators are examining various factors that may have contributed to the rapid sinking, including the possibility of open hatches and the position of the keel, which is crucial for a yacht's stability in rough seas.
Maritime law mandates comprehensive investigations into shipwrecks, often involving analysis of black box data and weather reports. The inquiry will likely scrutinize the crew's adherence to safety protocols and their response to the emergency. Yacht crew members typically undergo extensive safety training to handle such critical situations.
"We saved who we could, Cutfield (also) rescued the little girl and her mother."
The 51-year-old captain, who reportedly became emotional during questioning, has invoked his right to remain silent as his legal team prepares a defense. He has since returned to Majorca, where he resides.
As the investigation continues, autopsies on the seven victims are scheduled to begin tomorrow, September 2, 2024, at a forensic medicine institute in Palermo, Sicily's capital. These examinations may provide crucial information about the final moments of the tragedy.
This devastating event serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel, even with modern weather forecasting technology and advanced maritime safety measures. The Italian Coast Guard, responsible for search and rescue operations in these waters, played a crucial role in the aftermath of the sinking.
As the maritime community and the families of those affected await answers, the incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety standards and preparedness in the face of nature's formidable forces.
