Storm-Sank Yacht: Crew Under Investigation After British Tycoon's Fatal Disaster Off Sicily

Matthew Griffiths, a crew member on Mike Lynch's yacht, detailed the harrowing storm incident off this month, claims sinking ship resulted in the death of the British tech tycoon and six others. Griffiths recounted the dire efforts made to save those on board the Bayesian, as reported by Italian news agency Ansa.

Investigation Ongoing

The boat's captain, James Cutfield, and ship engineer Tim Parker Eaton find themselves under investigation by Italian authorities for potential manslaughter and shipwreck. It's important to note that being investigated doesn't imply guilt or guarantee formal charges will ensue. 

On the fateful night, Griffiths, on watch duty, woke the captain as the wind picked up to 20 knots (23 mph/37 kph). The captain promptly ordered awakening the other crew members. Ansa reported Griffiths stating, "The ship tilted, and we were thrown into the water. Then we managed to get back up and tried to rescue those we could." These events unfolded in the early hours of August 19, when the Bayesian was anchored off the Sicilian port of Porticello.

Efforts to Rescue Passengers

Griffiths painted a picture of the chaos, revealing, "We were walking on the walls (of the boat). We saved who we could; Cutfield also saved the little girl and her mother," referring to passenger Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter.

Among the devastated wreck, there were 15 survivors. 

Cutfield, when questioned by prosecutors, exercised his right to remain silent, as stated by his lawyers. They mentioned that he was "worn out" and needed indeed more time to build a defense case. In contrast, Parker Eaton has refrained from commenting on the investigation. Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano indicated last week that the vessel was likely struck by a "downburst," a violent downward wind; however, the rapid sinking of the Bayesian puzzled naval marine experts. Experts expressed that a vessel like the Bayesian, built by the esteemed Italian high-end yacht manufacturer Perini, should have withstood the storm and, in any case, should not have sunk as swiftly as it did.

Prosecutors' Investigation Scope

The investigation, led by prosecutors in Termini Imerese, near Palermo, will await the salvaging of the wreck from the sea before proceeding further, emphasizing the need for thorough examination. As the legal proceedings unfold, the maritime community and stakeholders keenly await developments in this tragic incident.