Mike Lynch’s yacht Sunken had “vulnerabilities”, is the UK probe

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The abused Superyeacht Bayesian of the Tycoon of the United Kingdom, Mike Lynch, had “vulnerabilities” that made it prone to the capture of strong winds, according to a British preliminary research.

The 56 -meter boat, which was described by its builder as “insurable”, sank as he dragged his anchor on the coast of Sicily last year after being hit by the winds of Hurricane’s force. Lynch, her daughter, four friends and a member of the crew all died, while 15 survivors, including Lynch’s wife, were rescued.

The UK (Maib) Marine Accident Investigation branch (Maib) said on Thursday that Bayesian, known for his 72 meters high, was captured after it was beaten flat and water dumped inside. The findings are based on tests collected before the recovery of the wreck begins this month.

In the early hours of August 19, the Bayesian “was violently reduced to 90 degrees for starboard” in 15 seconds, according to the report. There was no trace of floods previously, he added: “Until the water entered the starboard lanes, and in a few seconds it entered internal spaces through the stairs,” apparently discarding previous theories that the floods began through an open hatch.

Both the high pole of the yacht and the fact that its adjustable keel was in the high position reduced its stability and left it especially vulnerable in high winds.

“The findings indicate that the extreme wind experienced by Bayesian was enough to demolish the yacht,” said Andrew Moll, inspector in chief of marine accidents. “Once the yacht had cut out beyond an angle of 70 degrees, the situation was irrecuprupable.”

Another, much older, Superyacht nearby, Sir Robert Baden Powell, also dragged anchor in the same storm, but remained in fleet. His crew rescued Bayesian’s survivors.

The MAIB -based part of his conclusions in a study by the University of Southampton, using the Yacht’s own “Stability Information Information Book”. The report said that Bayesian’s vulnerability with the keel bred was not included in the brochure and, therefore, was “unknown to the owner or crew.” He found that the wind speed above 63.4 knots in the beam, on the side, were enough to capture the yacht.

The MAIB has not issued any security recommendation and said that its conclusions could change as more evidence arose. The Italian marine group, which acquired the builder of Bayesian Perini Navi in ​​2022, refused to comment.

The investigation continues to resume rescue efforts after the accidental death last week of a Dutch diver who worked to separate the pole from the helmet. Authorities expect to recover the wreck, which are now 50 meters under water and half a kilometer from the Sicilian coast, in the coming weeks for more tests.

Italian prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into three crew members, including the captain, shortly after the tragedy, although no one has been formally charged. At that time, the Italian marine group denied any design defect and suggested human errors, such as leaving the doors open, had caused the collapse.

However, Maib’s account of the crew efforts to maneuver the boat and evacuate passengers concludes that the vulnerability of the yacht in high winds was essential for its rapid box in the sudden and violent storm.