Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into the capsizing of the £30 million superyacht Bayesian off the coast of Italy.

The disaster, which occurred during a severe thunderstorm on Monday, has left one person missing and claimed the lives of five others, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, authorities are focusing on the yacht's keel and seeking to question the boat's designers as part of their inquiry.

The investigation aims to determine why the Bayesian sank when other nearby vessels managed to stay afloat during the freak storm. Of particular interest is the ship's keel, which was reportedly only partially lowered at the time of the incident.

Experts have noted that while it is common practice to keep the keel partially raised while anchored, the decision to do so in forecasted stormy conditions raises questions about the cause of the tragedy.

Unearthed Video Demonstrates Proper Response To Storms

An unearthed video from 2019, shot in Auckland, New Zealand, has shed light on how ships similar to the Bayesian should react in stormy weather.

The footage shows a large superyacht with a comparable mast style being pushed onto its side by a tornado. However, instead of capsizing, the vessel quickly rights itself, demonstrating the intended design response to such conditions.

This contrast between the video and the Bayesian's fate has prompted further scrutiny of the incident. Investigators are now looking into various factors that may have contributed to the yacht's sinking, including the position of the keel and reports of open portholes despite storm warnings.

The Italian Sea Group, which acquired the Bayesian's constructor Perini Navi two years ago, has suggested that human error played a role in the tragedy.

Manufacturer Claims Human Error To Blame

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of Italian Sea Group, has spoken out about the incident, stating:

This was human error, the yacht sank because it took on water. From where exactly the investigators will tell us. The dynamic of the sinking is seen and read from AIS (Automatic Identification System) data and lasted sixteen minutes. We have given this data to the prosecutors at Termini Immerse. From the images it looks as if the yacht had been taking on water for four minutes. All it took was another gust of wind to turn her over, that meant more water coming in. She then straightened very briefly before going down.

A spokesperson for the company further elaborated on the potential causes, emphasizing that proper procedures were not followed by the crew. They noted that despite a storm forecast, portholes were left open, allowing a massive amount of water to engulf the yacht.

Questions Arise About Yacht's Design And Construction

The Bayesian, a 56-meter-long vessel with a 74-meter mast, was built in 2008 and underwent a refit in 2020. David Hutchinson, captain of its sister ship Rosehearty, had previously described the yacht as "bulletproof," capable of withstanding extreme conditions, including 70-knot winds.

However, the tragic sinking has raised questions about the vessel's design and construction. Prosecutors are now seeking to speak with the ship's designers to gain a better understanding of its capabilities and potential vulnerabilities.

As the investigation continues, authorities are also searching for Hannah Lynch, the 18-year-old student who remains missing. The recovery of five bodies, including that of Mike Lynch, has brought some closure to the families affected by this disaster, but many questions remain unanswered.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

The unraveling of the Bayesian tragedy gives rise to several cogent lessons:

1. Heed Forewarnings: Always prioritize safety over convenience or assumptions, especially in environments prone to sudden changes.
2. Maintenance of Safety Protocols: Rigorous adherence to safety checks and protocols can mean the difference between life and death.
3. Empower Crew and Passengers: Comprehensive training and drills for all on board, regarding emergency scenarios, enhance the chances of survival.

While these measures can mitigate risk, it's crucial to remember that even the most stringent precautions can falter under nature's unpredictable fury. This tragedy implores us never to underestimate the sea’s potential for peril, nor to cast blame on those tragically caught in its wrath.

Why This Story Matters

This catastrophe not only underscores the vulnerability of human life against nature's might but also highlights the critical need for stringent maritime safety protocols. For the maritime and broader community, it serves as a somber reminder of the imperative to maintain vigilance and uphold safety standards to protect lives against nature's unforeseeable temper.

In conclusion, the capsizing of the Bayesian has sparked a complex investigation involving multiple factors. From the positioning of the keel to the alleged failure to follow proper storm procedures, authorities are examining every aspect of the incident. As the inquiry progresses, it is hoped that lessons can be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future and provide answers to the families of those lost in this devastating event.