A preliminary report into the tragic sinking of the 56-metre sailing yacht Bayesian is expected within four to six weeks, the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) confirmed today during a pre-inquest hearing at The Coroner’s Court in Ipswich.
The disaster, which occurred off the coast of Sicily on 19 August 2024, claimed seven lives, including British tech entrepreneur Michael Lynch, his daughter Hannah Lynch, and Jonathan and Judy Bloomer, with 15 others rescued in a dramatic search and recovery operation.
Inquest Sets Timeline & Scope
Presided over by Senior Coroner Nigel Parsley, today’s review hearing included legal representatives for the victims’ families, as well as lawyers for Bayesian’s captain, James Cutfield, and crew member Recaldo Thomas, who was also among the deceased.
The hearing set the groundwork for a full inquest into the causes and contributing factors of the incident, with key updates presented from both the MAIB and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Ongoing Investigations & Salvage Operations
Principal MAIB inspector Simon Harry Graves announced that salvage operations are expected to commence on 20 April, with the wreckage to be recovered by late May 2025. The MAIB has already collected multiple witness statements and commissioned two technical reports examining:
- Weather conditions at the time of the incident
- Stability and windage factors affecting the yacht
While an interim report is planned for public release soon, it will first be submitted for consultation to any parties who may be “adversely affected,” potentially delaying publication.
The final MAIB report will follow once investigators have access to the wreck for a full forensic assessment.
Legal Complexity & International Involvement
The MCA is also conducting a parallel investigation to assess potential culpability or breaches of maritime law. However, progress is slow due to jurisdictional challenges.
“Virtually all the crew members do not live in the UK,” said MCA inspector Mark Hamm, “which means we are reliant on foreign jurisdictions to gather evidence.”
Key stakeholders such as Revtom Limited (Bayesian’s holding company), Camper & Nicholsons (brokerage firm), and British Marine (insurer) have been designated as “interested persons” and may participate in future inquest proceedings.
Suggested Witnesses & No Jury Trial
Parsley proposed a tentative list of witnesses, which could include:
- Senior crew members
- MAIB investigators
- Meteorological experts
- Eyewitnesses from the rescue
It was also confirmed that no jury will be present for the full inquest.
Background: What Happened to Bayesian?
On 19 August 2024, Bayesian was struck by severe weather approximately 0.8 nautical miles off the coast of Porticello, Sicily. The yacht had been chartered for a private celebration following Lynch’s high-profile acquittal in a £8 billion fraud case.
Of the 22 people onboard, 15 were evacuated, while seven—primarily passengers in the lower deck cabins—perished as the yacht went down between 4:15 and 4:45am. The official time of death for Lynch, his daughter, and the Bloomers was later confirmed as 5:00am.
According to Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of Suffolk Police, Michael Lynch’s cause of death has been formally determined as drowning, while the other fatalities remain under further forensic review.
“This is not unusual,” said Brown, “and we often see further testing required to establish a clear verdict.”
What’s Next?
The full inquest will reconvene following the release of the MAIB’s interim report. Until then, attention will be focused on the upcoming salvage, forensic investigation, and the broader implications for safety in the superyacht charter industry.
As the luxury yacht community watches closely, the Bayesian tragedy has sparked renewed questions about weather preparedness, vessel classification, and the adequacy of onboard safety protocols—especially in the world of privately chartered superyachts.
