The tragic sinking of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch’s family yacht, the Bayesian, off the coast of Sicily last month has taken a new turn with the release of preliminary autopsy results. Four of the victims, identified as Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith, lawyer Chris Morvillo, and his wife Neda, died from suffocation, according to judicial sources.
The results suggest that the victims, trapped on the sinking vessel, perished due to a lack of oxygen as the Bayesian rapidly went down during a sudden and severe weather event on August 19th. The bodies of the four were found in cabins on the left-hand side of the boat, indicating a desperate search for remaining air pockets.
Lynch, his daughter Hannah, an onboard cook, and four guests were also lost in the tragedy. Autopsies on the bodies of Lynch and his daughter are scheduled to be conducted.
The sinking of the 56-meter luxury yacht, built by renowned Italian manufacturer Perini, has puzzled maritime experts. They question how such a vessel, designed to withstand challenging sea conditions, could have sunk so quickly.
The investigation into the tragedy continues. Italian authorities have placed the ship’s captain, James Cutfield, and crew members Tim Parker Eaton and Matthew Griffiths under investigation for potential manslaughter and shipwreck. While under investigation, they are not necessarily guilty, and formal charges may not be filed.
Crew member Matthew Griffiths, who was on watch duty during the sinking, has told investigators that the crew did everything possible to save those on board, according to Italian news agency Ansa.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are seeking to determine the precise cause of the sinking and whether any negligence contributed to the tragedy. Forensic tests are ongoing, and the results are expected in the coming weeks.
