- Team member shares insights into the final moments on the Bayesian.
Around two weeks after the tragic sinking of the deluxe yacht "Bayesian", a crew member has shared their account of that dreadful night. As per the Italian news agency "Ansa", sailor Matthew Griffiths reportedly awoke the captain when the wind hit 20 knots. Following the captain's order, everyone else was roused from their slumber. Griffiths was among the 22 individuals on board the yacht, which succumbed to the ocean's depths just a few hundred meters from the Sicilian Porticello on August 19th. Sadly, seven lives were lost in this disaster, including the yacht's wealthy owner, Mike Lynch, and his 18-year-old daughter.
Griffiths, who was on duty at the time of the incident, shared his story with "Ansa": "The ship tilted, and we were thrown into the water. We then managed to resurface and attempted to rescue as many people as possible." Captain James Cutfield of the "Bayesian" demonstrated extraordinary courage during this ordeal. "We were clinging to the sides (of the boat). We saved who we could." Cutfield managed to rescue a young girl and her mother. Italian authorities are currently investigating Cutfield, Griffiths, and engineer Tim Parker Eaton.
The "Bayesian"'s captain keeps his counsel
Captain Cutfield exercised his right to stay silent when grilled by the public prosecutor last week, as indicated by his legal team. They claimed that he was "drained" and required more time to assemble his defense.
Despite the testimonies of the survivors, highlighting Cutfield's bravery, the circumstances surrounding the sinking continue to baffle. Maritime experts posit that a ship like the "Bayesian", crafted by the esteemed Italian manufacturer "Perini Navi", should have withstood the storm. At the very least, it should not have sunk as rapidly as it appeared to.
The public prosecutors from Termini Imerese, near Palermo, have revealed that their investigations will take some time, as recovering the wreckage is still a work in progress. It is estimated that the recovery of the ship will cost a minimum of 17 million euros.
After the tragedy, it was revealed that Mike Lynch, the wealthy owner of the sinking luxury yacht "Bayesian," had planned to sell the vessel and purchase a larger and more extravagant luxury yacht.
In light of the investigation findings, there have been calls for stricter safety regulations for luxury yachts, citing the "Bayesian" as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with these vessels.
