Manslaughter Investigation Underway After Sicily Yacht Sinking Search Continues

Italian police officials have launched a manslaughter inquiry following an accident on a luxury Sicily yacht sinking in the waters that claimed seven lives as per Ambrogio Cartosio, the prosecutor of Termini Imerese.

Among those involved in the disaster of Sicily yacht sinking was the British technology magnate Mike Lynch whose eighteen-year-old daughter; Hannah was among the six persons that were rescued after the Bayesian superyacht capsized in the waters near Porticello around 5 in Monday AM. Lynch wife, the owner of the yacht was also among the 15 survivors of the event.

Also Read: Mike Lynch Daughter, Sixth And Final Body Recovered In Superyacht Disaster

The remains of the victim identified as Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian-Antiguan national who was a chef on the yacht, were found on Monday at the scene of the incident. The six others were found in the cabins on the left side of the yacht which had sank, as said by Girolamo Bentivoglio, the chief of the Palermo fire service.

Speaking in a press conference held this morning in the court of Termini Imerese, Cartosio said that his office started a preliminary investigation over manslaughter charges and that there could be other details that might come to light as the investigation continues.

This was said by Bentivoglio through a translation by the BBC and gave an insight on the harsh situations that were faced by the specialized divers who were drafted from all over Italy to participate in the search and rescue mission. ‘It was very difficult to see because of the weather,’ he said, adding that divers and approximately 70 other rescue workers scoured the debris each day searching for the victims’ bodies and survivors.

Cameras, more divers, and helicopter services were also utilized in the rescue mission to facilitate the retrieval process.

Also Read: Divers Of Superyacht Search Recovered Two Bodies, Official Italian Report

While more information is still gathered to establish the cause of the sinking, some questions arise on whether certain actions or inaction played part in the loss of lives. On the other hand, the families and friends of the deceased have to live with the consequences of the tragedy that happened to them.

James Cutfield the captain of the sunken Bayesian superyacht and the other survivors have been interrogated by the coast guard in connection to the ocean calamity that was investigated by the prosecutors. None of those interviewed have said anything about the conditions that caused the mishap that befell the yacht off Sicily coast.

As the public prosecutor pointed out there is no obligation of the captain, crew or the passengers to stay in Italy while the investigation is underway. However, they are required to give their cooperation in the conduct of authorities as the investigation goes on.

Some of the people that were saved from the debris included Morgan Stanley International bank chairman, Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy, Clifford Chance lawyer, Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda. Their survival has further contributed to raising the profile of this specific event and increasing media coverage.

One of the leading officials of Italian coast guard stressed on the difficulty involved in the operation saying that it involves salvaging the fuel tanks of the yacht which he pointed out should be considered as a top priority owing to the dangers it poses to the environment. “The fuel tanks are one of the values we have given a priority because they have other consequences on the environment,” he said, making reference to the severity of the issue.

When asked about the time when the wreckage of the yacht would be recovered, Rear Admiral Raffaele Macauda, the maritime director for western Sicily also agreed that it was not an easy process. 

To be specific Mr. Frank said: We’re really working with a shipwreck that lays 50 meters beneath the sea. ”The time to retrieve depends on the owners, the operations, and the findings of the ongoing investigation, and that is when owners approve the process of recovery.”

Also Read: Superyacht Search Continues After Sinking In Italy, Sicily

Even Admiral Macauda was quick to dismiss any speculation about the time that would be required to complete the operation or its preparation. As to the forecast of having it complete in eight weeks, he stated, ‘It is quite difficult to say that like some experts have been putting it, it will take eight weeks and something like this shows you how unpredictable the process of recovering from a disaster like Sicily yacht sinking can be’