Italian Authorities Launch Manslaughter Investigation Into Superyacht Sinking That Killed British Tycoon and Six Others
Italian authorities have initiated a manslaughter investigation following the tragic sinking of a superyacht off the coast of Sicily earlier this week, which claimed the lives of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others.
Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio announced that the investigation revealed the sinking was not due to adverse weather conditions but rather the actions and handling of the crew. "The investigation is not directed at any single individual," Cartosio stated. "There are multiple possibilities for culpability—whether it be the captain, the entire crew, or other factors. We are assessing all aspects to determine who is at fault."
The prosecutor’s office has filed a dossier against unknown persons, alleging negligent shipwreck and manslaughter.
The British-flagged superyacht, carrying 22 passengers and crew members, sank on Monday during a violent storm. Over the past four days, seven bodies have been recovered from nearly 50 meters (160 feet) underwater, including the last victim, believed to be Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah.
The other victims are thought to include Jonathan Bloomer, a director at Morgan Stanley International, his wife Judy Bloomer, American lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo, and the onboard chef Recaldo Thomas. Five of the bodies were found in a single cabin, leading authorities to speculate that the group may have been searching for air pockets as the yacht went down.
Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano added that the victims were likely asleep during the storm, which may explain why they were unable to escape. He also noted that the crew did not undergo drug and alcohol tests due to the shock and trauma they experienced after surviving the shipwreck.
While investigators have many unanswered questions, such as whether the yacht had a black box, they are awaiting the recovery of the ship to provide further clarity. Although some believe a waterspout may have struck the yacht, causing it to sink, this theory remains unconfirmed.
The CEO of The Italian Sea Group, the firm behind the yacht's manufacturer, described the vessel as "unsinkable." Giovanni Costantino told Sky News, "Sailing ships are known to be the safest because they have a minimal surface area compared to a yacht facing the wind. With the structure of the drift keel, they become unsinkable bodies." However, authorities are still investigating whether open hatches could have contributed to the yacht's rapid sinking.
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