Bayesian Superyacht Sank After ‘Extreme’ Wind Gust, Report Says

The Tragic Sinking of the Bayesian Superyacht: An In-Depth Analysis

On August 19, 2024, the world was shocked by the rapid sinking of the Bayesian, a 56-meter sailing superyacht, off the northern coast of Sicily. The vessel, renowned for its impressive design and advanced technology, was anchored near Porticello when it was struck by a powerful storm. Within minutes, the yacht capsized and sank, resulting in the loss of seven lives, including that of its owner, technology entrepreneur Mike Lynch. This tragedy has prompted extensive investigations into the factors that contributed to the vessel’s swift demise.

Design and Construction of the Bayesian

The Bayesian was a sloop designed by Ron Holland and built by Perini Navi in 2008. It featured a 56-meter-long aluminum hull and a single-masted cutter rig, with a mast towering at 237 feet—the tallest aluminum mast in the world at the time of its construction. The yacht was equipped with a retractable keel, allowing its draft to be reduced from 10 meters to 4 meters, enhancing its versatility in various sailing conditions. The interior was outfitted in Japanese style by the French company Rémi Tessier Design, earning accolades such as best interior at the International Superyacht Society Awards 2008 and best sailing yacht over 45 meters at the 2009 World Superyacht Awards. (en.wikipedia.org)

The Fateful Night: August 19, 2024

On the night of August 19, 2024, the Bayesian was anchored approximately 300 meters off the coast of Porticello, a small fishing village near Palermo, Sicily. The crew and guests were preparing for a voyage to the Aeolian Islands when a sudden and violent storm struck. Witnesses reported that the storm was so intense that it caused waterspouts—rotating columns of air and mist—to form over the sea. The yacht’s towering mast acted almost like a sail in the strong wind, significantly increasing the risk of capsizing. (bbc.com)

Within minutes of the storm’s onset, the Bayesian capsized and sank. The rapid sinking left little time for the crew and guests to react. Despite the crew’s efforts, the yacht was lost, and seven lives were tragically claimed. The bodies of the victims were later recovered from the seabed at a depth of 50 meters. (en.wikipedia.org)

Investigations and Findings

In the aftermath of the tragedy, multiple investigations were launched to determine the causes of the rapid sinking. Experts identified several design and operational factors that may have contributed to the disaster:

• Height and Weight of the Mast: The yacht’s exceptionally tall and heavy mast acted as a wind catcher, making the vessel more susceptible to capsizing in strong gusts. A computer model estimated that a gust of approximately 54 knots could have caused the yacht to lean dynamically and take on nearly a ton of water each second through an engine room vent. (topshelf.tv)
• Hull Openings: The presence of two tall glass doors on the side of the deck increased the risk of water ingress if the yacht was pushed over toward its side by high winds. Naval architects noted that such openings could allow water to flood the vessel rapidly. (topshelf.tv)
• Retractable Keel Deployment: The retractable keel, designed to enhance stability, was not fully extended at the time of the sinking. Had it been deployed, it could have helped counter the wind buffeting the yacht’s mast and kept the ship stable. (bbc.com)
• Ballast Positioning: The fixed ballast was placed on the aft end of the skeg to balance the weight of the single mast, which was further forward than on the sister ketch yachts. This arrangement did not compromise the fixed ballast center of gravity on the Bayesian. (marineindustrynews.co.uk)
• Buoyancy Concerns: The sunken deck design could reduce buoyancy at very high heel angles. However, this arrangement did not affect the regulatory stability requirements, and the area was equipped with freeing port drains to drain any water that might become trapped there. (marineindustrynews.co.uk)

Legal Actions and Disputes

The Italian Sea Group (TISG), the company responsible for building the Bayesian, has firmly denied the allegations published by The New York Times regarding the yacht’s design flaws. TISG emphasized that all technical aspects of the Bayesian’s stability and design were validated by class and flag surveyors, with safety measures such as watertight closures for potential openings. In response to the article, TISG initiated legal action against The New York Times. (marineindustrynews.co.uk)

Conclusion

The sinking of the Bayesian superyacht remains a tragic event that has prompted extensive discussions about yacht design, safety measures, and the impact of extreme weather conditions. While investigations have identified several factors that may have contributed to the disaster, the exact combination of circumstances leading to the rapid sinking continues to be a subject of debate. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of rigorous safety standards and the need for continuous evaluation and improvement in maritime design and operations.