Initial autopsies reveal four victims likely suffocated in trapped air bubble as the luxury yacht went down off Sicily’s coast.
Autopsies from the recent Bayesian yacht tragedy suggest that four of the victims suffocated when oxygen ran out in an air bubble inside the sunken vessel. According to Italian reports, the examinations showed no water in the lungs of these victims, indicating they likely died from a lack of breathable air rather than traditional drowning.
The disaster, which claimed seven lives, occurred last month after a violent storm struck the yacht off Sicily’s coast. Among the victims were British tech mogul Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah. The rapid sinking of the boat trapped several people below deck, leading investigators to believe that those on board sought out remaining air pockets as the yacht sank on its side. However, these pockets likely became saturated with carbon dioxide, making it impossible for them to survive.
La Repubblica reported that the autopsies revealed a case of “atypical drowning,” where there was no water found in the lungs or trachea, pointing to suffocation. This supports the theory that the victims found themselves in small, air-filled spaces, which quickly became uninhabitable due to the rising levels of carbon dioxide.
The tragedy unfolded after the yacht was hit by a storm, believed to be a sudden “downburst.” The vessel sank within minutes, trapping five victims in a cabin. Among those found were Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, and three other passengers. Hannah’s body was discovered in a separate cabin. The yacht’s chef, Recaldo Thomas, was also recovered from the water near the wreck, which lies 50 meters below the surface.
Survivors, including Lynch’s wife and nine crew members, escaped using an inflatable life raft. However, the remaining victims were unable to make it to safety in time.
Investigations are now focusing on the yacht’s captain, New Zealander James Cutfield, and two British crew members, Tim Parker Eaton and Matthew Griffiths. Prosecutors are exploring possible manslaughter and culpable shipwreck charges. Parker Eaton denied accusations that exterior doors were left open during the storm, which may have led to water flooding the engine room.
Matthew Griffiths, who was on duty at the time of the storm, told investigators he woke the captain when winds reached 20 knots. Despite their efforts, the yacht capsized within 16 minutes, just 400 meters from its anchorage near the Sicilian port of Porticello.
The investigation continues, with autopsies for Mike Lynch and his daughter scheduled to follow. While charges have not yet been filed, investigators are working to piece together the final moments leading to the vessel’s rapid sinking.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved.