Prosecutors Probe Superyacht Keel in Fatal Sicilian Sinking

In a tragic maritime incident off the Sicilian coast, prosecutors have launched an investigation into the sinking of the superyacht Bayesian, focusing on its partially elevated retractable keel. The disaster, which occurred two days ago, has resulted in multiple fatalities, including Mike Lynch, a prominent tech entrepreneur, and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah.

Specialist divers have been working tirelessly to recover the remains of the missing passengers from the 165-foot vessel, which now lies on the seabed. The discovery of the yacht's retractable keel in a partially raised position has raised questions about the boat's stability at the time of the incident.

Dr. Jean-Baptiste Souppez, a naval architecture expert, explained the significance of the keel's position:

"The keel is vital to the stability of sailing vessels, and a deeper keel will provide additional stability. However, this is at the expense of draft, meaning shallow-water harbours and anchorages may become out of reach."

The investigation, led by prosecutors from Termini Imerese, will scrutinize various aspects of the incident, including the keel's position, the crew's actions, and the vessel's response to the severe weather conditions. Experts have noted that while a retractable keel allows access to shallow waters, it can significantly reduce a vessel's stability when not fully extended.

Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy frigate commander, emphasized the importance of standard safety procedures in adverse weather conditions, regardless of the keel's position. These include monitoring weather forecasts, maintaining visual lookouts, and ensuring watertight integrity.

The recovery operation has faced significant challenges due to the yacht's depth at 48 meters, limiting divers to 12-minute intervals. Despite these obstacles, five bodies have been recovered, with one person still missing. The use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) has aided in navigating the wreckage's narrow corridors and floating debris.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities will examine whether human error or a freak weather event caused the tragedy. The Italian Sea Group, which owns the company that built the Bayesian, has stated that the yacht should have remained stable even without the keel fully extended, suggesting that a massive influx of water may have led to the rapid sinking.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of maritime conditions and the critical importance of proper safety measures and crew training in yacht operations. As the Mediterranean can experience sudden, severe storms, the tragedy underscores the need for constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, even for the most advanced vessels.