Great Britain Yacht sinking off Sicily: Investigation against captain

SDA

26.8.2024 - 14:15

Italian fire department divers work at the site of the shipwreck of the sunken yacht. Photo: Salvatore Cavalli/AP/dpa
Italian fire department divers work at the site of the shipwreck of the sunken yacht. Photo: Salvatore Cavalli/AP/dpa
Keystone

Following the sinking of the luxury yacht "Bayesian" off Sicily with seven fatalities, the public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the captain, according to Italian media reports.

Keystone-SDA

As reported by the news agency Ansa and the daily newspaper "La Repubblica", he is being investigated for negligent homicide and shipwreck. He was questioned for the second time in a week on Sunday.

Last Monday, British billionaire Mike Lynch (59) and his 18-year-old daughter died in the accident near the shore of the Italian Mediterranean island, along with two married couples who were friends and the ship's cook. 15 people were rescued. The wealthy software entrepreneur had wanted to celebrate his acquittal in court on the sailing trip with family, friends and business partners.

According to investigators, the "Bayesian" was hit by a squall at around 4.00 a.m. in a storm with wind speeds of more than 100 kilometers per hour. She sank within a few minutes. It is assumed that the fatalities were surprised in their cabins while sleeping and were unable to save themselves from the water.

The most recent questioning of the captain reportedly included whether or not doors and hatches were open during the accident and when the alarm was triggered. He was then added to the register of suspects. The other crew members are also currently being questioned by the investigators. It cannot be ruled out that some crew members will also be investigated.