Luxury Superyacht Capsizes in Violent Storm Off Sicily Coast, 22 Aboard, 6 Missing

Newly released footage captures a luxurious superyacht, the Bayesian, being battered by a violent storm off the coast of Sicily before it suddenly sank with 22 people aboard on Monday. The yacht's 250-foot mast, illuminated with lights and lashed by the storm, appears to be bending to one side before it finally disappears and is replaced by darkness.

Maritime Experts Stunned by Sudden Capsizing

The speed with which the superyacht crafted to withstand rough seas capsized stunned maritime experts. Captain Stephen Richter of SAR Marine Consulting Inc was taken aback by the rapid descent of the vessel, uttering disbelief at the unusually swift and complete capsize of a yacht of such size.

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and five of the 21 other people aboard the 184-foot vessel are unaccounted for and are believed to be trapped in the Bayesian’s hull, nearly 170 feet underwater. Sadly, at least one person, the ship’s cook, had perished in the tragic incident.

"The Bayesian Uniqueness"

Building on its reputable chartering, the Bayesian had been available for charters at a staggering weekly rate of $215,000. These superyachts are designed to stay afloat even while taking on water, offering passengers a crucial chance to escape. However, the sudden and violent storms in the area proved to be an anomaly for the experienced crew.

Admiration for the Vessel's Craftsmanship

Designed by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the Bayesian boasted a capacity for 12 guests and a crew of up to 10. Its almost 250-foot tall aluminum mast is recognized as the tallest sailing mast worldwide, a claim supported by CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters.

Search and Rescue Operations

Italian rescue workers resumed the search for Lynch and the five other passengers still missing: Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, as well as Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife.

Speculations arise as to the fate of the crew and guests, particularly the fear that the bodies might be trapped inside the capsized vessel. Salvatore Cocina, head of civil protection in Sicily, expressed his concerns to Reuters.

The Unlikelihood of Capsizing

Emphasizing the rarity of such incidents with large vessels, Captain Richter highlighted the unusual nature of the adverse event. He attributed the vessel's capsizing to the sudden violent storm rather than structural negligence or poor maintenance.

Experts, including Simon Boxall from the University of Southampton, emphasized the storm potential in the Mediterranean, noting its tendency to experience violent storms much like the one that caused the Bayesian to sink. The Mediterranean is often wrongly perceived as a calm and stable expanse – a misconception that belies the volatility that sometimes occurs in its waters.

Executive Departure and Tragic Coincidence

The fateful Mediterranean sailing vacation was anticipated to be a celebration for Mike Lynch, who two months prior had been acquitted by a San Francisco jury of fraud charges related to the 2011 sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion. His co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain, however, was not aboard the Bayesian, having met with a tragic death."

The disaster involving the Bayesian serves as a solemn reminder of the unpredictable nature of the seas and the unforeseen tragedies that can befall even the most seemingly secure vessels. The ongoing search efforts, praises for the vessel's craftsmanship, and reflections on the potential storm factors remind us of the profound impact such events can have on the lives of those involved.