It all happened so quickly. Karsten Borner found himself on the halfdeck of his sailboat in the pouring rain, anchored in the same cove as Mr. Lynch’s yacht as a squall rolled in on Aug. 19. Thankfully, he was already awake and able to secure his boat as the wind picked up.
In flashes of lightning, he caught glimpses of Mr. Lynch’s sleek sloop bobbing behind him before it disappeared into the rain. The yacht, named Bayesian, sank at an odd angle into the sea, leaving Mr. Borner stunned.
Days after the tragedy, investigations into the sinking are ongoing, with questions raised about the design of the Bayesian and the actions of the crew. The yacht, built by Perini Navi, had unique engineering choices that may have contributed to its vulnerability in storms.
The world of superyachts is shrouded in secrecy, but the spotlight on the Bayesian tragedy may lead to closer scrutiny of yachting regulations. Engineers have pointed out shortcomings in the design of the yacht that left it susceptible to sinking, even without major errors by the crew.
The cruise on the Bayesian was a luxurious experience marred by tragedy. Mr. Lynch had invited friends and lawyers aboard to celebrate his recent legal victory, cruising the Mediterranean in style. The yacht, powered by two diesel engines, was known for its impressive mast and smooth sailing.
As investigations continue, the mystery of the Bayesian sinking remains, causing grief for the families of the seven victims who perished in the tragedy. The focus now shifts to understanding what led to the rapid sinking of the superyacht and whether design flaws or crew errors played a role in the disaster.