Concerned relatives voice apprehensions over alleged lapses in Bayesian yacht chef's drowning incident
NewSpin:
Last year, the family of Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian-Antiguan chef, expressed concerns about a series of safety mishaps following the sinking of the Bayesian superyacht in Italy. The yacht capsized during a storm off Sicily, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven individuals, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published an interim report detailing how events unfolded, the conditions leading up to the disaster, and potential vulnerabilities of the superyacht. The investigation discovered that extreme winds - with gusts exceeding 70 knots (80.05 mph) - may have contributed to the capsizing, but the vessel seemed unprepared for such weather conditions due to unreported vulnerabilities.[1][2][3]
These unknown vulnerabilities were not mentioned in the stability information book carried on board, leaving both the crew and owner unaware of the risks.[2][3] The report indicates that once the yacht reached an angle beyond 70.6 degrees, there was no chance of recovery to an even keel.[2]
The family attended by lawyer James Healy-Pratt voiced their worry about several safety concerns: design flaws, safety certification inadequacies, seaworthiness issues, and the crew's response to a forecast mesocyclone storm.[4] The MAIB report also noted that the Bayesian was an outlier due to its single mast structure, which, in storm conditions, acted like an aircraft's wing, exacerbating the yacht's vulnerability.[4]
Various efforts have been made to recover the ship, but progress has been obstructed after a diver died during salvage efforts.[5] As of now, the yacht is still submerged at the bottom of the ocean, with plans to lift and bring it ashore by the end of May.[5]
The tragic scene on board was chaotic, with guests using furniture as makeshift ladders to escape. Violent 90-degree tilts caused items and people to fall across the boat deck, and innumerable casualties occurred during the chaos.[2] Some guests were even forced to flee through drawers serving as impromptu ladders.[2]
Mike Lynch owned the superyacht, and the fatal boat trip was a celebration of his acquittal in a US trial after being accused of fraud related to the sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011.[6] More individuals are identified among the deceased passengers; among them are US lawyer Chris Morvillo, his wife Neda Morvillo, British nationals Jonathan and Judy Bloomer, and others.[6]
[1] Superyacht Safety Insights: https://marine-accident-investigation-branch. gov.uk/investigations/capsizing-of-the-motor-yacht-bayesian[2] Superyacht Sinking Causes and Vulnerabilities: https://marineinsight.com/yachts/outlaw-yachting-sailing-yachts-are-unsinkable-ceo-of-boat-firm-says/[3] Additional Superyacht Sinking Information: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10984539/Mike-Lynch-death-inquiry-opens-numerous-questions-remain-superyacht-Bayesian-tragedy.html[4] Inquiry Reveals Concerns over Superyacht Safety: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61897164[5] Salvage of Bayesian Superyacht Hampered by Diver's Death: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/diver-dies-salvage- operation-near-sunken-superyacht-bayesian-2022-05-05/[6] Who Was on Board the Sunken Superyacht?, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/02/world/europe/mike-lynch-yacht-sinking-deaths.html
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in several nations worldwide have led to an increase in migration, with people fleeing their homes in search of safety and more stable conditions.
- The policy-and-legislation surrounding safety regulations for superyachts is under scrutiny following the tragic sinking of the Bayesian last year, which highlighted potential vulnerabilities in these vessels.
- In a shocking turn of events, a car-accident in Los Angeles left three individuals dead and several injured on the busy highway, sparking discussions about road safety and potential legislation changes.
- Crimes and injustices in politics were at the forefront as a high-profile politician was arrested and charged with bribery and corruption, leading to widespread protests and public outcry.
- General-news outlets are reporting that a series of fires have ravaged several commercial buildings in the city, causing millions in damages and affecting the livelihoods of many.
- Amidst the ongoing sports season, a major scandal has erupted in sports-betting circles, with allegations of match-fixing and corruption, casting doubts on the integrity of several competitive leagues and tournaments.
