Sicilian yacht tragedy: Questions rise about crew's actions
The prosecutor in Sicily on Sunday re-questioned the captain of the luxury yacht Bayesian, which sank near the coast of Palermo during a violent storm. Investigators are considering, among other things, that one crew member died, and of the 12 passengers - half perished, including a British billionaire.
The tragedy occurred last Monday (21 August) early in the morning during a tornado attack. Seven people died in the disaster, and 15 survived. The vessel belonged to British billionaire Mike Lynch, who, along with his daughter, is among the victims.
Italian media reported that the captain from New Zealand, James Cutfield, gave his testimony once again on Sunday, almost a week later, concerning whether the yacht's hatches were closed.
This aspect, as reported, is particularly significant given the fact that the 56-metre-long unit, which sank almost instantly, was considered unsinkable. Its designers assured that it could only go down if tonnes of water got into it. Therefore, there are suspicions that perhaps a side hatch was left open while the yacht was anchored overnight.
Sicilian yacht disaster. Investigators ask where the crew was
Additionally, as noted by the Italian news agency Ansa, investigators want to determine the whereabouts of all the people on board during the disaster. They wonder how it is possible that only one of the 10 crew members died, while half of the 12 passengers did.
The agency reports that a key question is being raised: was the crew already on the upper deck aware of the storm and failed to alert those sleeping in the cabins?
The prosecutorial investigation concerns the maritime disaster and the unintentional manslaughter of many people. It should be noted that no charges have been filed against anyone at this point.
Nine crew members are staying in a hotel in Palermo that is inaccessible to journalists. Several of those rescued have already left, including Angela Barcares - the wife of billionaire Mike Lynch and the mother of his daughter Hannah, who perished. Among the victims are also Morgan Stanley International bank president Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Lynch's lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife.
