Italy opens manslaughter probe into Mike Lynch's superyacht sinking
What's the story
Italian authorities have initiated a manslaughter and shipwreck investigation, following the tragic sinking of a superyacht near Sicily. The incident, which occurred during a storm, claimed seven lives including that of renowned British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch. The yacht, previously deemed unsinkable, had 15 survivors while the recovery of bodies from the sea floor spanned four days.
Charges
Prosecutors explore charges of negligent shipwreck
The Sicilian prosecutors are considering charges of negligent shipwreck and manslaughter in connection with the superyacht sinking. The British-flagged "Bayesian" sank off the north of Sicily during a storm on Monday. State prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio stated that a file has been registered against unknown individuals, suspecting them of these crimes. However, he emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages due to recent body recoveries.
Incident details
Tech tycoon's yacht hit by mini-tornado
The 56-meter yacht was hit by a mini-tornado before the dawn on Monday while anchored off Porticello, near Palermo. Lynch had invited his friends and family onto the boat, to celebrate his recent acquittal in a significant US fraud case. A total of 15 people were rescued from the wreckage, and the body of one person, identified as the yacht's cook, was found shortly after.
Rescue efforts
Bayesian's emergency flare and rapid sinking
The Bayesian's emergency flare was activated at 4:38am on Monday morning, prompting an immediate response from the coastguard. However, by the time they arrived, the yacht had already sunk. The reason for its swift sinking remains unclear until the wreck is recovered, a process that could take weeks.
Mourning
Lynch's family and friends mourn their loss
Lynch, often referred to as the British "Bill Gates," founded software firm Autonomy back in the 1990s. He faced fraud charges in the US after its $11 billion sale to Hewlett-Packard in 2011, but was acquitted of all charges in June. Following the recovery of his daughter Hannah's body on Friday, her family expressed their "unspeakable grief" and stated that they are being comforted and supported by family and friends during this difficult time.