New details have emerged amid a potential "manslaughter investigation" following the recent sinking of the Bayesian superyacht.
The 160-foot luxury yacht, named the Bayesian, became caught in a violent storm during the early hours of Monday morning. Carrying 22 people (12 passengers and 10 crew members), the yacht was hit by a sudden and devastating waterspout tornado, causing it to capsize.
The Italian Coast Guard and local authorities launched an immediate rescue operation, managing to save 15 people, per Sky News.
Tragically, seven people have been confirmed to have died.
These are British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his teenage daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judy Bloomer, Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo, his wife Neda Morvillo, and the boat’s chef Recaldo Thomas.
On Friday, the Lynch family released a statement after Hannah's body was recovered. Her's was the final body of those initially announced as missing.
"The Lynch family is devastated, in shock and is being comforted and supported by family and friends," a spokesperson said. "Their thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy. They would like to sincerely thank the Italian coastguard, emergency services and all those who helped in the rescue.
"Their one request now is that their privacy be respected at this time of unspeakable grief," the statement added.
The Italian Coast Guard confirmed that the search had officially come to an end and a new investigation into the matter had been launched.
The Telegraph reports that a "manslaughter investigation into the sinking of the Bayesian superyacht is being considered by Italian authorities".
According to local outlet Palermo Today, a team will be looking into offences of "shipwreck and multiple counts of culpable homicide against an unknown person". This has been described as being "similar to manslaughter charges in the UK", per The Telegraph.
Additionally, a report by the Daily Mail states that investigators will be reviewing the actions of the captain and first officer as well as examining security footage showing the moments before the ship capsized.
It has already been confirmed that James Catfield, who was in charge of the boat, has been questioned while recovering from his injuries.
The 51-year-old from New Zealand was allegedly seen waiting outside an emergency room in the Sicilian town of Termini Imerese and sources described him to be "limp" clearly exhausted from the ordeal.
The Mirror reported that the captain admitted that he and his crew "didn't see it coming" when referring to the harsh weather conditions they faced.
However, the weather forecast had warned of potential strong winds, with storms across the entire southern region of Italy Sunday, the Coast Guard spokesperson said at the time.
Speaking to Sky News, marine investigator James Wilkes said that "witness testimonies" will be crucial going forward.
Causing a shipwreck is a separate charge under the Italian penal code, with a maximum sentence of 12 years, while culpable homicide, roughly equivalent to the British offense of manslaughter, also comes with a hefty prison sentence.
A press conference has been announced for Saturday, with more details expected to be released.
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