The Tragic Sinking of the Bayesian: Eyewitness Account from a Nearby Captain
In the serene waters off the coast of Sicily, a tragedy unfolded on August 19, 2023, when the superyacht Bayesian sank during a freak storm, claiming the lives of several passengers, including British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter, Hannah. As investigations continue and inquests are set to open, the harrowing account of Captain Karsten Borner, who was aboard a neighboring vessel, offers a chilling glimpse into the moments leading up to the disaster.
A Stormy Night
Captain Borner, commanding the Sir Robert Baden Powell, vividly recalls the terrifying conditions that night. In a new ITV documentary titled The Sinking of a Superyacht: How Safe is Your Voyage, he described the storm as “so full of water that it was difficult to breathe.” The chaos of the weather was compounded by the suddenness of the storm, which caught many by surprise.
As the storm raged, Borner and his crew monitored their radar systems, trying to make sense of the tumultuous sea. It was during this time that he witnessed what he believed to be the moment the Bayesian sank. “In the lightning, I saw a big, black triangle – and this might have been the moment when the ship sank … We were looking at the radars and she was gone,” he recounted, his voice tinged with the weight of the memory.
The Aftermath of the Disaster
The sinking of the Bayesian resulted in the tragic loss of six lives, including that of Dr. Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter, and several other passengers. The chaos of the storm and the rapid sinking left little time for rescue efforts. Survivors clung to inflatable liferafts, desperately trying to escape the icy waters.
Angela Bacares, Dr. Lynch’s wife, managed to survive the ordeal and described her experience as “terrifying.” Her account, along with those of other survivors, paints a picture of sheer panic and desperation as the yacht succumbed to the waves.
Investigations and Inquests
As the community mourns the loss of those aboard the Bayesian, inquests into the deaths are set to open at Suffolk Coroner’s Court. The investigations will delve into the circumstances surrounding the sinking, including the actions of the crew and the decisions made in the moments leading up to the disaster. Prosecutors in Sicily are currently investigating three crew members, seeking to understand the factors that contributed to the tragedy.
A photograph taken by a passenger on a nearby yacht just 14 minutes before the sinking has sparked further scrutiny. The image appears to show a door in the superyacht’s hull closed, contradicting allegations that crew members may have mistakenly left it open, allowing water to flood the vessel.
A Call for Safety in Maritime Travel
The sinking of the Bayesian has raised significant questions about safety protocols in maritime travel, particularly for luxury vessels. The ITV documentary aims to explore these implications, shedding light on the need for stringent safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the inquests proceed, the stories of those who lost their lives and the accounts of survivors will serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life at sea. The maritime community is left grappling with the lessons learned from this disaster, hoping to ensure that such a tragedy does not occur again.
Conclusion
The sinking of the Bayesian is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the importance of preparedness in the face of sudden storms. Captain Karsten Borner’s account serves as a crucial piece of the narrative, highlighting the urgency and chaos that accompanied the disaster. As investigations continue, the focus remains on honoring the memories of those lost and improving safety measures for future voyages.