Fact Check: "Superyacht Bayesian sank during 81 mph winds, killing tech mogul Mike Lynch."
What We Know
On August 19, 2024, the British superyacht Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily during extreme weather conditions, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including tech mogul Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah. Reports indicate that wind speeds exceeded 70 knots (approximately 81 mph) at the time of the incident, which caused the yacht to capsize violently within 15 seconds (AP News, BBC). The yacht was reportedly anchored in a location chosen for shelter from forecast thunderstorms when the storm unexpectedly intensified (AP News).
The Bayesian, measuring 56 meters (184 feet), was carrying a total of 22 people, including 10 passengers and 12 crew members. Of these, 15 individuals survived the sinking, while the bodies of the deceased were recovered over several days following the incident (BBC, PBS). An ongoing investigation by Italian authorities is examining the circumstances surrounding the sinking, including the extreme weather conditions that contributed to the tragedy (AP News, CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that the Bayesian sank during 81 mph winds, leading to the death of Mike Lynch, is supported by multiple reliable sources. The Associated Press and BBC reports confirm that the yacht capsized due to wind speeds exceeding 70 knots (81 mph) and that Lynch was among the deceased (AP News, BBC). The reports also indicate that Lynch was celebrating his recent acquittal in a fraud case with friends on the yacht when the accident occurred (CBS News, AP News).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The AP, for instance, is known for its rigorous fact-checking standards and journalistic integrity. Furthermore, the ongoing investigation by Italian authorities adds an additional layer of credibility to the reports, as they are actively working to determine the exact causes of the sinking and the circumstances surrounding it (AP News, BBC).
While some details regarding the causes of death for other victims remain under investigation, the confirmed drowning of Mike Lynch is a significant detail that supports the veracity of the claim (BBC).
Conclusion
The claim that the superyacht Bayesian sank during 81 mph winds, resulting in the death of tech mogul Mike Lynch, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources corroborates the circumstances of the sinking, including the extreme weather conditions and the tragic loss of life.
Sources
- The superyacht Bayesian that sank off Sicily killing Mike Lynch is to ...
- Bayesian yacht sinking: Mike Lynch drowned in Sicily wreck but ... - BBC
- Moment Mike Lynch's Bayesian superyacht is raised from the seabed
- Sunken superyacht lifted from waters off Sicily as crews ...
- Superyacht that sank with British tech magnate Mike Lynch on board ...
- Mike Lynch's superyacht Bayesian raised from seabed off ...
