The captain of the luxury superyacht Bayesian, James Cutfield, is under investigation for manslaughter following the tragic sinking off the coast of Sicily. The incident, which occurred during a pre-dawn storm on August 19, has left seven people dead, including prominent British tech mogul Mike Lynch and his daughter, Hannah. This devastating event has prompted Italian authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the shipwreck and the actions of the crew.
The investigation, initiated by prosecutors on the Italian island, focuses on potential charges of negligent shipwreck and multiple counts of homicide due to negligence. While Cutfield, a 51-year-old New Zealand national, has been identified as a key figure in the inquiry, no formal charges have yet been filed. Prosecutors emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages, and they did not disclose any further details regarding the proceedings.
The luxury yacht, measuring 56 meters in length, was anchored near Porticello, Palermo, when it was struck by a rare mini-tornado. This freak weather event led to the tragic loss of life, with the bodies of six individuals—including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter—being recovered from the vessel. The search operation was extensive, and divers discovered the victims in cabins that were likely being used as makeshift air pockets during the chaos of the sinking. As the investigation unfolds, the maritime community is left grappling with the implications of this disaster.
