The recovery of the 56-metre sailing yacht Bayesian has been suspended following the tragic death of a 39-year-old Dutch diver, who The Guardian has reported is Rob Cornelis Maria Huijben. He was killed during preparatory work to remove the vessel's mainmast. The incident occurred near Porticello, Sicily, where the yacht sank in August 2024 during a sudden and violent storm.
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A high-profile loss
Bayesian was owned by Angela Bacares, wife of Mike Lynch, and was registered in the United Kingdom. Lynch, a prominent figure in the tech industry known for co-founding Autonomy Corporation and investing in cybersecurity firm Darktrace, was aboard the yacht celebrating his acquittal in a major fraud case. The storm led to the vessel sinking within minutes, resulting in the deaths of Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, and five others.
Salvage operation details
The salvage operation, estimated to cost $30 million, was being conducted by UK-based TMC Marine in collaboration with Dutch firms HEBO Maritimeservice and Smit Salvage. The plan involved cutting down the yacht's 75-metre mast to facilitate lifting the wreck from a depth of approximately 50 metres. The operation was expected to take 20–25 days, weather permitting.
Investigation and suspension
Following the diver's death, the salvage operation has been paused to allow for a thorough investigation by Italian authorities. Preliminary reports suggest the diver may have been fatally injured by dislodged debris after using a blowtorch underwater, though the exact cause of death remains under investigation.
Environmental and legal considerations
The sinking of Bayesian in a protected marine area has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding potential fuel leaks and other contaminants. Additionally, Italian prosecutors are investigating possible negligence by the yacht's captain and two crew members, focusing on lapses in monitoring weather conditions and responding to water ingress.
