Fact Check: "The Bayesian's mast was cut off and left on the seabed for future removal."
What We Know
The superyacht Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily on August 19, 2024, during a violent storm, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives, including tech magnate Mike Lynch and his daughter. The recovery operation for the vessel began several months later, culminating in its resurfacing on June 21, 2025. During this operation, it was reported that the yacht was missing its 72-meter (236-foot) mast, which had been cut off and left on the seabed for future removal. This detachment was necessary to allow the hull to be raised to a nearly upright position, facilitating the salvage process (AP News, Sky News, DW).
Analysis
The claim that the mast of the Bayesian was cut off and left on the seabed is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. Both the Associated Press and Sky News reported that the mast was indeed detached during the salvage operation to facilitate the raising of the yacht from the seabed. The necessity of this action was emphasized by TMC Maritime, the company responsible for the recovery, which stated that the mast had to be removed to allow the hull to be positioned correctly for lifting (AP News, Sky News).
The sources used are credible, being well-established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The Associated Press is a globally recognized news agency, while Sky News and DW are reputable media outlets known for their journalistic integrity. The consistency of the reports across these sources adds to the reliability of the information provided.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "The Bayesian's mast was cut off and left on the seabed for future removal" is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that the mast was indeed detached during the salvage operation to facilitate the recovery of the yacht.
