Mike Lynch’s superyacht Bayesian raised from seabed off Sicily
GuardianJUN 19
Bayesian Superyacht Raised Off Sicily 10 Months After Sinking
Above: Water is pumped off the Bayesian superyacht as it is lifted to the surface near Porticello, Sicily, on June 21, 2025. Image copyright: Peter Byrne/PA Images/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This tragedy highlights serious design flaws in luxury yachts that put passengers at risk. The Bayesian's exceptionally tall mast and hidden vulnerabilities created a death trap that owners and crews couldn't possibly know about. When hurricane-force winds hit, the yacht capsized in seconds due to these undisclosed design problems.
Narrative B
The sinking may have resulted from human error and poor seamanship, not yacht design. Italian prosecutors are rightly investigating whether hatches were left open, whether a proper storm response plan was followed, and if the crew failed to alert sleeping passengers. These lapses could support manslaughter charges under Italian law.
Narrative C
Salvage operations like the one underway for the Bayesian are vital — but dangerous. The effort to raise the wreck has already claimed one life, a diver killed during underwater cutting. These high-risk missions can push crews into deadly conditions, raising questions about how much risk is justified in the search for answers.