Autopsies have revealed drowning as the cause of death for two passengers aboard the ill-fated superyacht Bayesian, which sank off the coast of Sicily last month.

According to Daily Mail Online, the £30 million vessel owned by tech billionaire Mike Lynch capsized during a severe thunderstorm on August 19, resulting in the loss of seven lives, including Lynch himself and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah.

The first autopsies were conducted on lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda, confirming that they drowned with no signs of other injuries. As authorities continue their criminal investigation into the tragedy, autopsies on the remaining victims are scheduled to take place throughout the week.

Ongoing Investigation And Survivor Accounts

Italian prosecutors are currently investigating three crew members, including Captain James Cutfield, for suspected multiple negligent manslaughter and causing a shipwreck. Cutfield, who exercised his right to remain silent when questioned by prosecutors, is reportedly "worn out," according to his lawyers, who have requested more time to build a defense case.

Matthew Griffiths, a 22-year-old crew member who survived the incident, provided investigators with his account of the events. He stated that he alerted the captain when wind speeds reached 20 knots, prompting the captain to order everyone to wake up. Griffiths described the chaotic scene as the ship tilted, throwing people into the water.

Chief engineer Tim Parker Eaton, a 56-year-old British national, is also under investigation. In his statement to prosecutors, Eaton insisted that all doors and openings on the yacht were properly sealed before the storm hit.

Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding The Sinking

The rapid sinking of the Bayesian has puzzled naval marine experts, who believe a vessel of its caliber should have been able to withstand the storm. Prosecutors in Termini Imerese, near Palermo, have stated that their investigation will be lengthy, as the wreck has yet to be salvaged from the sea.

One theory being explored is whether human error may have contributed to the disaster. There are claims that "portholes and hatches" were left open, potentially leading to the ship being quickly overwhelmed by water and sinking in just 16 minutes.

Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano suggested last week that the vessel was likely hit by a "downburst," an extremely strong downward wind. However, the investigation will consider all possible factors, including the responsibilities of the captain, crew, supervisory personnel, and the yacht's manufacturer.

Victims And Survivors Of The Tragedy

The sinking of the Bayesian claimed the lives of seven people, including tech billionaire Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah, who was set to begin her studies at Oxford University later this month. Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, was among the 15 survivors of the incident.

The yacht's cook, Recaldo Thomas, was also among the victims, with his body being the first to be recovered after the sinking. The tragedy occurred while Lynch was hosting friends and family to celebrate his recent acquittal in a major US fraud case.

Questions Surrounding The Yacht's Seaworthiness

Investigators are particularly focused on understanding how a sailing vessel marketed as "unsinkable" by its manufacturer, Italian shipyard Perini Navi, could have sunk so quickly while a nearby sailboat remained largely unaffected by the storm.

The event has been described as "extremely rapid" by prosecutors, who are considering the possibility of a "downburst" - a localized, powerful wind that descends from a thunderstorm and spreads out rapidly upon hitting the ground.

As the investigation continues, authorities will be examining all aspects of the incident, from the actions of the crew to the structural integrity of the vessel itself, in an effort to determine the exact cause of this tragic maritime disaster.

Lessons To Learn From This Tragedy

1. Always Prepare for the Worst: Regardless of the perceived safety and expertise at hand, prepare for worst-case scenarios, especially while at sea, where conditions can swiftly become perilous.

2. Equip and Train Thoroughly: Continuous updating of safety equipment and regular, rigorous drills for all aboard can mitigate the risks and improve survival odds during unexpected disasters.

3. Check and Double-Check: Before any voyage, a comprehensive check of the vessel’s readiness to face extreme weather should be mandatory. This includes ensuring all possible points of water ingress are sealed.

Although these precautions can reduce risks, it is critical to remember that accidents can still occur, and victim-blaming helps no one.

Why This Story Matters

The tragedy of the Bayesian serves as a stark reminder of nature’s might and the imperative of stringent safety measures in maritime adventures. It underscores the human cost of even a single oversight and stresses the importance of preparedness. This event impacts the immediate families involved and shakes the broader community of yacht operators and manufacturers, urging them to reassess and reinforce their safety protocols.

In conclusion, the autopsies of two victims from the Bayesian superyacht tragedy have confirmed drowning as the cause of death. The investigation into the sinking continues, with authorities examining multiple factors, including crew actions and the vessel's seaworthiness. The incident claimed seven lives, including that of tech billionaire Mike Lynch and his daughter.