The luxy superyacht Bayesian, which sank off Sicily during a freak storm, was built to withstand extreme weather conditions but not everything is guaranteed, according to an expert from YouTube channel eSysman SuperYachts. The vessel, with a single 246-foot mast made of aluminum, was listed for rent for over $200,000 a week. The yacht capsized after a waterspout struck the area, leaving six people, including British tech magnate Mike Lynch, missing. Lynch’s wife and 14 other people survived the incident, and a search and rescue operation is underway to find the missing passengers.
According to eSysman, if a vessel is caught in high winds, the crew should start the engines and maneuver the boat so that the wind is on the bow, avoiding the side of the vessel from being against the wind. It is unclear whether the Bayesian was at anchor or sailing during the storm. The team at eSysman SuperYachts, made up of serving or ex-maritime professionals, brings over two decades of experience in the industry to their analysis of the incident. The crew and passengers on the Bayesian came from various countries, including the UK, US, Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Spain.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is sending a team to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment of the sinking of the Bayesian. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office is providing consular support to British nationals and their families affected by the incident. Built in 2008 by Perini Navi, the yacht can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple, and the master suite, along with crew accommodations. The investigation into the capsizing of the Bayesian is ongoing, and details regarding the events leading to the sinking are still being uncovered.
eSysman SuperYachts emphasizes that while high-caliber yachts should be able to withstand extreme conditions, there are always limits to what they can endure. The prediction of weather has improved over the years, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the captain to ensure the safety of the vessel and its passengers. The search and rescue operation for the missing individuals from the Bayesian will continue despite the slim chances of survival in cold water. The crew of the Bayesian, who hailed from different countries around the world, are being supported by their respective governments as investigations into the sinking progress and efforts to locate the missing passengers intensify.
The sinking of the Bayesian serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with traveling on the open seas, even on luxury superyachts that are designed to withstand extreme conditions. The yacht, with its distinctive aluminum mast, was a high-end vessel available for rent at a premium price. The loss of British tech magnate Mike Lynch and the six other missing individuals has left families and loved ones waiting anxiously for updates on their fate. As the investigation into the incident continues, the maritime community is reminded of the importance of following safety protocols and being prepared for unexpected weather events while at sea.
