Fact Check: "The superyacht was raised from 165 feet underwater after nearly a year."
What We Know
The superyacht known as the Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily on August 19, 2022, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives among the 22 people on board. The vessel was raised from the seabed nearly a year later, with reports indicating that it was located approximately 165 feet (50 meters) underwater at the time of recovery (BBC, AP News). The recovery operation began recently, with the yacht being slowly lifted to allow for inspections and further investigations by Italian authorities (Washington Post).
Analysis
The claim that the superyacht was raised from 165 feet underwater after nearly a year is partially true. The Bayesian was indeed located at a depth of 165 feet and was raised after nearly a year since its sinking. However, the exact timeline of the recovery operation is crucial. Reports state that the yacht was raised over a period of three days leading up to its resurfacing, which occurred shortly before the announcement (AP News).
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they include reputable news organizations such as the BBC and the Associated Press, which are known for their journalistic standards. However, the phrasing of "nearly a year" could be interpreted as slightly misleading since the actual recovery took place within a few days rather than being a continuous operation over the entire year.
Additionally, the investigation into the sinking has revealed that the yacht was vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, with wind speeds exceeding 70 knots (approximately 81 mph) contributing to its capsizing (BBC). This context is essential for understanding the circumstances surrounding the yacht's sinking and subsequent recovery.
Conclusion
The verdict is Partially True. While the claim accurately states that the superyacht was raised from a depth of 165 feet and that this occurred nearly a year after it sank, the specifics of the recovery process and the timeline may create some ambiguity. The operation was not a continuous effort over the entire year, but rather a focused recovery that took place shortly before the yacht was brought to the surface.
