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Epoch Times
15-05-2025
- Epoch Times
Extreme Winds Likely Toppled Mike Lynch's Superyacht Off Sicily, Interim UK Report Finds
A superyacht that sank off Sicily last year, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, was likely knocked over by gusts of more than 117 km per hour in just 15 seconds, an interim UK report has said. The incident killed seven people, including Lynch and his daughter Hannah, when his superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily on Britain's Marine Accident Investigations Branch 'The interim report presents a desktop study of the facts as we know them,' He said that the study has reviewed the yacht's stability, the likely local weather conditions at the time, and the effect of that weather on the yacht. 'The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over. Further, once the yacht had heeled beyond an angle of 70° the situation was irrecoverable,' he said. 'The results will be refined as the investigation proceeds, and more information becomes available.' The Related Stories 8/30/2024 8/23/2024 Thunderstorms had been forecast, and those on board the Bayesian could see occasional flashes of lightning away to the west. But as the skipper prepared to manoeuvre the Bayesian up into the wind from their position on the flying bridge, the wind suddenly increased to more than 70 kts. The awning over the flying bridge then ripped from port to starboard. At 4:06 a.m., the Bayesian violently heeled over to 90 degrees to starboard, taking less than 15 seconds to do so. People, furniture, and loose items fell across the deck. The generators shut down immediately, and battery-supplied emergency lighting came on. The report said the 72-meter (79-yard) aluminum mast, the It said it's possible the Bayesian was similarly vulnerable to winds of less than 63.4 kts and that these vulnerabilities were not identified in the stability information book carried on board. Consequently, these vulnerabilities were also unknown to the owner and the crew of the Bayesian, it said. An Italian investigation into the sinking is ongoing. The vessel is still under sea. A salvage operation is scheduled to resume on Thursday after a diver was killed last Friday during preliminary operations to lift it. The Last year, Giovanni Costantino, CEO of Perini Navi's parent company, The Italian Sea Group, Lynch had invited some close friends and work colleagues on a boating trip to celebrate his June acquittal in a federal fraud case in California. He had been cleared of defrauding Hewlett-Packard when he sold Autonomy, a software company he co-founded, to the U.S. computer giant in an $11 billion deal in 2011. His co-defendant in the fraud trial, 52-year-old Stephen Chamberlain, who was also cleared of any wrongdoing, died after being hit by a vehicle while out running in Cambridgeshire, England, on Aug. 17. Among the guests on the Bayesian were Morgan Stanley International Bank Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy, and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo—who had been part of Lynch's defense team at the trial—and his wife, Neda. They all died, as did Lynch and the boat's chef, Recaldo Thomas, an Antiguan Canadian national. The Epoch Times contacted The Italian Sea Group for comment. Chris Summers contributed to this report.
The Advertiser
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Mike Lynch's yacht doomed by extreme wind, report finds
The superyacht that sank off Sicily, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others, was probably knocked over by winds of more than 117km/h, an interim UK report says. The 56-metre-long Bayesian was moored off the small port of Porticello, near Palermo, in August 2024 when it was likely hit by a very strong downward wind, killing Lynch, his daughter Hannah and five others, Britain's Marine Accident Investigations Branch says. The investigation established that, when the yacht's retractable keel was in the raised position, wind speeds in excess of 117km/h on the beam were sufficient to knock Bayesian over. It said it was possible the yacht was similarly vulnerable to winds of lower speed. These vulnerabilities were not identified in the stability information book carried on board and were consequently unknown to either the owner or the crew of Bayesian. "The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over," said Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents. "Further, once the yacht had heeled beyond an angle of 70 degrees the situation was irrecoverable." The report says a sudden increase in the wind speed caused the yacht to keel over to 90 degrees in less than 15 seconds. Water came in over the starboard rails and within seconds entered the vessel down the stairwells, it says. About 18 minutes later the yacht sunk in the 50 metre-deep sea. The Bayesian was built in 2008 by Perini Navi, an Italian luxury yacht maker. It featured the world's tallest aluminium mast, measuring 72 metres. Giovanni Costantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini, said in August the yacht was "one of the safest boats in the world" and basically unsinkable. The company did not provide an immediate comment on the UK report. The superyacht that sank off Sicily, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others, was probably knocked over by winds of more than 117km/h, an interim UK report says. The 56-metre-long Bayesian was moored off the small port of Porticello, near Palermo, in August 2024 when it was likely hit by a very strong downward wind, killing Lynch, his daughter Hannah and five others, Britain's Marine Accident Investigations Branch says. The investigation established that, when the yacht's retractable keel was in the raised position, wind speeds in excess of 117km/h on the beam were sufficient to knock Bayesian over. It said it was possible the yacht was similarly vulnerable to winds of lower speed. These vulnerabilities were not identified in the stability information book carried on board and were consequently unknown to either the owner or the crew of Bayesian. "The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over," said Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents. "Further, once the yacht had heeled beyond an angle of 70 degrees the situation was irrecoverable." The report says a sudden increase in the wind speed caused the yacht to keel over to 90 degrees in less than 15 seconds. Water came in over the starboard rails and within seconds entered the vessel down the stairwells, it says. About 18 minutes later the yacht sunk in the 50 metre-deep sea. The Bayesian was built in 2008 by Perini Navi, an Italian luxury yacht maker. It featured the world's tallest aluminium mast, measuring 72 metres. Giovanni Costantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini, said in August the yacht was "one of the safest boats in the world" and basically unsinkable. The company did not provide an immediate comment on the UK report. The superyacht that sank off Sicily, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others, was probably knocked over by winds of more than 117km/h, an interim UK report says. The 56-metre-long Bayesian was moored off the small port of Porticello, near Palermo, in August 2024 when it was likely hit by a very strong downward wind, killing Lynch, his daughter Hannah and five others, Britain's Marine Accident Investigations Branch says. The investigation established that, when the yacht's retractable keel was in the raised position, wind speeds in excess of 117km/h on the beam were sufficient to knock Bayesian over. It said it was possible the yacht was similarly vulnerable to winds of lower speed. These vulnerabilities were not identified in the stability information book carried on board and were consequently unknown to either the owner or the crew of Bayesian. "The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over," said Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents. "Further, once the yacht had heeled beyond an angle of 70 degrees the situation was irrecoverable." The report says a sudden increase in the wind speed caused the yacht to keel over to 90 degrees in less than 15 seconds. Water came in over the starboard rails and within seconds entered the vessel down the stairwells, it says. About 18 minutes later the yacht sunk in the 50 metre-deep sea. The Bayesian was built in 2008 by Perini Navi, an Italian luxury yacht maker. It featured the world's tallest aluminium mast, measuring 72 metres. Giovanni Costantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini, said in August the yacht was "one of the safest boats in the world" and basically unsinkable. The company did not provide an immediate comment on the UK report. The superyacht that sank off Sicily, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others, was probably knocked over by winds of more than 117km/h, an interim UK report says. The 56-metre-long Bayesian was moored off the small port of Porticello, near Palermo, in August 2024 when it was likely hit by a very strong downward wind, killing Lynch, his daughter Hannah and five others, Britain's Marine Accident Investigations Branch says. The investigation established that, when the yacht's retractable keel was in the raised position, wind speeds in excess of 117km/h on the beam were sufficient to knock Bayesian over. It said it was possible the yacht was similarly vulnerable to winds of lower speed. These vulnerabilities were not identified in the stability information book carried on board and were consequently unknown to either the owner or the crew of Bayesian. "The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over," said Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents. "Further, once the yacht had heeled beyond an angle of 70 degrees the situation was irrecoverable." The report says a sudden increase in the wind speed caused the yacht to keel over to 90 degrees in less than 15 seconds. Water came in over the starboard rails and within seconds entered the vessel down the stairwells, it says. About 18 minutes later the yacht sunk in the 50 metre-deep sea. The Bayesian was built in 2008 by Perini Navi, an Italian luxury yacht maker. It featured the world's tallest aluminium mast, measuring 72 metres. Giovanni Costantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini, said in August the yacht was "one of the safest boats in the world" and basically unsinkable. The company did not provide an immediate comment on the UK report.
Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Mike Lynch's yacht toppled by extreme wind, interim report finds
FILE PHOTO: Floating crane ship HEBO LIFT 2, which will recover the \"Bayesian\" yacht of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, leaves the port of Termini Imerese, ahead of the salvage operation off Porticello, near Palermo, Italy, May 3, 2025. REUTERS/Igor Petyx/File Photo LONDON - The superyacht that sank off Sicily last year, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others, was vulnerable to violent winds and was probably knocked over by gusts of more than 117 km per hour, an interim UK report said on Thursday. The 56-metre-long (184-foot) Bayesian was moored off Porticello, near Palermo, in August last year when it was hit by a very strong downward wind, forcing it onto its side where it began taking on water, Britain's Marine Accident Investigations Branch said. Described by the boat builder's owner as basically unsinkable, Bayesian sank in about 18 minutes after the violent gusts hit, tipping it 90 degrees. The investigation established that when the yacht's retractable keel was raised, wind speeds in excess of 117 km per hour on the beam were sufficient to knock it over. The report said the yacht could also have been vulnerable to winds of lower speed. These vulnerabilities were not identified in the stability information book carried on board and were consequently unknown to either the owner or the crew. "The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over," said Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents. "Further, once the yacht had heeled beyond an angle of 70 degrees the situation was irrecoverable." The report said the 72m (78.74 yards) aluminium mast, the world's tallest, increased the vulnerability, accounting for half of the force that pushed the boat onto its side. The sinking of the Bayesian stunned the local community and those who sail in European waters. Lynch, a British tech trailblazer, had been celebrating his acquittal on 15 counts of fraud in June 2024. He was sailing with his family and friends who supported him during the U.S. trial, including his lawyer and a banker, Jonathan Bloomer. His daughter also died. 15 SECONDS The report said a sudden increase in the wind speed caused the yacht to heel over to 90 degrees in less than 15 seconds. Water came in over the starboard rails and within seconds entered the vessel down the stairwells, it said. Around 18 minutes later the yacht sunk in the 50 metre-deep sea. The Bayesian was built in 2008 by Perini Navi, an Italian luxury yacht maker. Giovanni Costantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini, said in August the yacht was "one of the safest boats in the world" and basically unsinkable. The company did not comment on the UK report. An Italian investigation into the sinking is ongoing and the British investigators said circumstances could change after more evidence is released and the wreck was examined. The yacht remains on the seabed and a salvage operation is scheduled to resume on Thursday after a diver was killed last Friday during preliminary operations to lift it. "Last week's tragedy affected all involved," said Marcus Cave, head of naval architecture and a director of TMC Marine. "However, everyone is still committed to complete this project." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The National
15-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Tech billionaire Mike Lynch's 'unsinkable' Bayesian superyacht doomed by extreme wind, report finds
The superyacht that sank in a storm off Sicily last year, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others, was vulnerable in high winds, investigators have found. The 56-metre Bayesian was moored off the small port of Porticello, near Palermo, Italy, last August when it was hit by winds of an estimated 117kph, Britain's Marine Accident Investigations Branch said in an interim report. The 56-metre (184ft) yacht was knocked over and could not recover, they said. The yacht had sailed to the port the previous day to shelter from forecast thunderstorms. A deck hand posted a video of the advancing storm on social media an hour before the boat capsized. At 4.06am local time on August 19, 2024, the wind 'violently' knocked the vessel over to a 90-degree angle in fewer than 15 seconds, investigators said, and 'people, furniture and loose items fell across the deck'. 'There was no indication of flooding inside Bayesian until water came in over the starboard rails and, within seconds, entered the internal spaces down the stairwells,' the report added. About 18 minutes later the yacht sunk in the 50m-deep sea. The vessel had been in a 'motoring condition' with its sails lowered and the centreboard – which is used to help stabilise it – in a raised position. The investigation established that, in that position, it was possible the yacht may even have been similarly vulnerable to winds of lower speed. It stated that 'vulnerabilities' were 'unknown to either the owner or the crew of Bayesian' as they were not included in the stability information book carried on board. Inquest proceedings in the UK are looking at the deaths of Mr Lynch, 59, and his daughter Hannah, 18, as well as Morgan Stanley international bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, 70, and his wife, Judy, 71, who were all British citizens. The tycoon founded software giant Autonomy in 1996 and was cleared in June last year of carrying out a massive fraud over the sale of the company to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. The boat trip was a celebration of his acquittal in the case in the US. The others who died in the sinking were US lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda, and Canadian-Antiguan citizen Recaldo Thomas, who was working as a chef on the vessel. Fifteen people, including Mr Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued. Five were injured 'either by falling or from things falling on them', while the deck hand was 'thrown into the sea', the report said. Two guests used furniture drawers 'as an improvised ladder' to escape their cabin. The skipper instructed guests and crew on an area of the deck to 'swim clear of the mast and boom as the vessel was sinking'. Survivors later made their way on to a life raft released from the Bayesian. They went on to be rescued by a small boat sent from the Sir Robert Baden Powell yacht, which was at anchor nearby. The Bayesian was built in 2008 by Perini Navi, an Italian luxury boat maker. It featured the world's tallest aluminium mast, measuring 72m. Giovanni Costantino, chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini, said in August the yacht was 'one of the safest boats in the world', considered unsinkable. The company did not provide any immediate comment on the UK report. Andrew Moll, chief inspector of Marine Accidents, said: 'The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over. Further, once the yacht had heeled beyond an angle of 70 degrees, the situation was irrecoverable.' Simon Graves, of the Marine Accidents Investigation Branch (MAIB), said: 'You have the wind pushing the vessel over and then you have the stability of the vessel trying to push the vessel back upright again. 'And what our studies found was that they show that the Bayesian may have been vulnerable to high winds, and that these winds were likely to have been evident at the time of the accident.' Mr Graves said the stability information book did not 'consider the effects of wind' because the sails were not raised and the vessel was 'running on its engine' before the sinking. 'That indicated a vulnerability that the owner and the crew would not have known about. That information wasn't included.' The MAIB is investigating as the Bayesian was registered in the UK. It said its report was based on 'a limited amount of verified evidence' as a criminal investigation by Italian authorities has restricted its access to the wreck and other pieces of evidence. The investigation team said the results of the report would be refined as the investigation proceeds and more information becomes available. No date has been set for when the final report will be published.
AsiaOne
15-05-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Mike Lynch's yacht doomed by extreme wind, interim report finds, World News
LONDON — The superyacht that sank off Sicily last year, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others, was probably knocked over by winds of more than 117kmh, an interim UK report said on Thursday (May 15). The 56m-long Bayesian was moored off the small port of Porticello, near Palermo, in August last year when it was likely hit by a very strong downward wind, killing Lynch, his daughter Hannah and five others, Britain's Marine Accident Investigations Branch said. The investigation established that, when the yacht's retractable keel was in the raised position, wind speeds in excess of 117kmh on the beam were sufficient to knock Bayesian over. It said it was possible the yacht was similarly vulnerable to winds of lower speed. These vulnerabilities were not identified in the stability information book carried on board and were consequently unknown to either the owner or the crew of Bayesian. "The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was sufficient to knock the yacht over," said Andrew Moll, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents. "Further, once the yacht had heeled beyond an angle of 70 degrees the situation was irrecoverable." The report said a sudden increase in the wind speed caused the yacht to keel over to 90 degrees in less than 15 seconds. Water came in over the starboard rails and within seconds entered the vessel down the stairwells, it said. Around 18 minutes later the yacht sunk in the 50m-deep sea. The Bayesian was built in 2008 by Perini Navi, an Italian luxury yacht maker. It featured the world's tallest aluminium mast, measuring 72m. Giovanni Costantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini, said in August the yacht was "one of the safest boats in the world" and basically unsinkable. The company did not provide an immediate comment on the UK report. [[nid:716936]]
