Fact Check: "Superyacht Bayesian sank during 70-knot winds, killing tech mogul Mike Lynch."
What We Know
The superyacht Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily on August 19, 2024, during severe weather conditions, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including British tech mogul Mike Lynch and his daughter, Hannah Lynch. Reports indicate that wind speeds exceeded 70 knots (approximately 81 mph) at the time of the incident, which led to the yacht capsizing within seconds (BBC, AP News). The yacht was anchored near Porticello, a small fishing village, when it was struck by extreme winds that caused it to heel to a 90-degree angle and flood rapidly (AP News, CBS News).
An investigation by the UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) confirmed that the crew was unaware of the yacht's vulnerabilities to such high wind speeds, which were deemed likely to cause its capsizing (BBC, AP News). The MAIB's preliminary report indicated that winds of over 80 mph hit the vessel during the disaster (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that the Bayesian sank during 70-knot winds, killing Mike Lynch, is supported by multiple credible sources. The BBC, a reputable news organization, reported that the yacht sank due to extreme weather conditions, with wind speeds exceeding 73 mph (BBC). The AP News also corroborated this information, stating that the yacht was knocked over by "extreme wind" and could not recover (AP News).
The investigation findings, which highlighted the yacht's vulnerability to high winds, further substantiate the claim. The MAIB's report, although based on limited evidence due to the wreck's inaccessibility, indicated that the conditions at the time were severe enough to lead to the yacht's rapid flooding and eventual sinking (BBC, AP News).
While the sources are generally reliable, it is important to note that the investigation is ongoing, and full conclusions will depend on further analysis of the wreck and conditions at the time of the sinking. However, the consensus among the reports is clear regarding the cause of the sinking and the fatalities involved.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the superyacht Bayesian sank during 70-knot winds, resulting in the deaths of tech mogul Mike Lynch and six others, is accurate. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that extreme weather conditions were responsible for the incident, and the fatalities included Lynch and his daughter.
Sources
- Bayesian: Sunken British superyacht raised from seabed - BBC
- The superyacht Bayesian that sank off Sicily killing Mike Lynch is to ... - AP News
- Sunken Bayesian superyacht lifted out of the water off Sicily as ... - AP News
- $40 Million Yacht That Mysteriously Sank Is Raised From Bottom of Sea - New York Times
- Extreme wind blamed for sinking of Mike Lynch's superyacht - The Register
- Superyacht that sank with British tech magnate Mike Lynch on ... - CBS News
