In brief
A Dutch diver has died while working on the recovery operation of the Bayesian superyacht off Sicily's coast, following its tragic sinking last year that claimed seven lives. The cause of death remains unclear as the salvage operations continue under specialized international teams.
A diver has tragically lost his life amidst ongoing operations to recover the Bayesian, a sunken superyacht owned by British tech mogul Mike Lynch, off the northern coast of Sicily. Local authorities reported that the diver, a 39-year-old from the Netherlands, succumbed to an accident while conducting preliminary work on Friday in Porticello, although the exact cause of death has yet to be determined.The Bayesian sank in August 2022 during severe weather conditions, claiming the lives of seven individuals on board, including Lynch, 59, and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah. Notably, the tragedy also involved the chairman of Morgan Stanley International, Jonathan Bloomer, and his wife, as well as a prominent US lawyer and other passengers. Only 15 people survived the incident, including a one-year-old and Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares.Currently, the salvage effort is being led by TMC Marine, alongside Dutch companies Hebo and SMIT Salvage, with the assistance of Italian experts. Approximately 70 personnel have been dispatched to Sicily from various parts of Europe to aid in the recovery operation.Recent updates indicate that the salvage team is making significant strides, with on-site preparations advancing as planned. The yacht's condition has been assessed, confirming readiness for lifting it to the surface, contingent on favorable weather conditions. Preparations for the recovery include stabilizing the yacht with steel slings and detaching the extensive rigging and mast, which stands as one of the tallest globally.Mitigating environmental concerns, officials report no pollution has been detected from the vessel, and measures are in place to manage potential leaks. Meanwhile, an inquest is ongoing in the UK, focusing on the tragic deaths of Lynch and his daughter, both of whom resided near London.The trip on the Bayesian was originally intended to celebrate Lynch's recent acquittal on fraud charges related to the sale of his software company, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. Investigators are still looking into the circumstances surrounding the vessel's untimely sinking.
