The captain of a luxury superyacht that sank off the coast of Sicily is now under investigation by Italian authorities. The incident resulted in the deaths of seven people, including the yacht's owner, Mike Lynch, and his 18-year-old daughter.

James Cutfield, 51, who was in command of the Bayesian when it capsized on August 19, is being probed for potential manslaughter and causing a shipwreck. 

According to USA TODAY, Italian prosecutors are examining whether Cutfield's actions or decisions contributed to the tragedy.

Authorities in the nearby town of Termini Imerese are conducting the investigation. Ambrogio Cartosio, head of the public prosecutor's office, announced multiple crimes under investigation during a news conference on August 26.

Investigation Focuses On Captain's Role

The investigation into Captain Cutfield's actions is still in its early stages. Italian authorities have interrogated Cutfield twice since the shipwreck occurred. Additionally, prosecutors have interviewed surviving passengers and crew members to gather more information about the events leading up to the disaster.

Under Italian law, individuals under investigation must be notified before autopsies can be performed on the deceased. It's important to note that being under investigation does not necessarily mean charges will be filed against Cutfield or any other parties involved.

The Bayesian, owned by Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, encountered severe weather conditions, including a tornado over the water, before it sank. Initially, 15 passengers were rescued, but the ship's cook, Recaldo Thomas, was found dead in the immediate aftermath.

Experts Weigh In On Potential Factors

Maritime law experts have suggested that two key factors could be crucial in determining whether the captain and crew were at fault: the position of the ship's hatch covers and its retractable keel.

Martin Davies, Admiralty Law Institute professor of maritime law at Tulane University, explained that these elements might have contributed to the yacht's capsizing and rapid sinking.

Davies stated:

With a giant mast like it's got, it might make more sense to put the keel down, because that would make it less likely to capsize.

The expert also noted that if the hatch covers were open, it would have accelerated the ship's sinking once it had capsized.

International Implications And Legal Considerations

Since the Bayesian was registered in the United Kingdom, British authorities are expected to open their own investigation into the incident. This could potentially lead to additional scrutiny of the captain and crew's actions under U.K. maritime law.

Davies pointed out that under British law, the yacht's owner would likely not be a target in a criminal investigation unless they "knowingly and willfully caused or allowed the fault" that led to the shipwreck. The focus of both Italian and potential British investigations is more likely to remain on the actions of Captain Cutfield and his crew.

The legal expert suggested that Italian authorities may have implicated Cutfield early in the process to establish their jurisdiction over the case. Davies explained that this could be a strategic move to ensure their ability to continue investigating the incident thoroughly.

Tragic Loss Of Life And Ongoing Recovery Efforts

The sinking of the Bayesian resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including prominent figures in the business and legal world. Among the victims were Chris Morvillo, an American lawyer for Clifford Chance, and his wife, Neda Morvillo. Jonathan Bloomer, a non-executive chair of Morgan Stanley International, and his wife, Judy Bloomer, also perished in the tragedy.

The bodies of Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, and four other passengers were recovered from inside the ship following an extensive rescue operation that lasted several days. The loss of life has sent shockwaves through both the yachting community and the business world.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to this devastating incident. The focus on Captain Cutfield's actions and decisions in the moments leading up to the shipwreck may provide crucial insights into preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Why This Story Matters

This incident not only underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols in maritime adventures but serves as a somber reminder of the responsibilities that come with commanding such sophisticated vessels. It highlights the human costs of negligence and calls for heightened awareness and regulatory oversight to prevent future tragedies.

In conclusion, the investigation into the sinking of the Bayesian yacht off the coast of Sicily is centered on Captain James Cutfield's actions. Italian prosecutors are examining potential charges of manslaughter and causing a shipwreck. Maritime experts have highlighted the ship's hatch covers and retractable keel as possible factors in the disaster. As both Italian and British authorities continue their inquiries, the yachting community mourns the loss of seven lives in this tragic incident.