Italy Luxury Yacht Dry Drowning: In a heartbreaking incident, four victims of the Bayesian superyacht tragedy were found to have died from “dry drowning” after being trapped alive in air pockets inside the sinking vessel. The 185-foot luxury yacht went down off the coast of Sicily during a violent storm on August 19, leaving seven people dead. Recent autopsies revealed that four of the victims, including high-profile figures, suffocated after the available oxygen in the air bubble ran out.
The Tragic Discovery
Among the victims were New York City lawyer Chris Morvillo, his wife Neda, Jonathan Bloomer, the chair of Morgan Stanley Bank International, and his wife Judy. All four were found in the same cabin on the left side of the ship. Autopsies confirmed that none of them had water in their lungs or stomachs, meaning they didn’t drown in seawater. Instead, they died from asphyxiation, a condition known as “dry drowning.”
Dry drowning occurs when people are trapped in air pockets as a ship sinks. At first, they can breathe, but as oxygen runs out, carbon dioxide builds up, making the air toxic. In this case, pathologists from the Palermo Institute of Forensic Medicine described their deaths as “death by confinement,” as the victims were unable to escape the sealed cabin.
What Happened During the Sinking?
The Bayesian yacht, valued at $40 million, was carrying 22 people when it was caught in a severe storm. The ship tilted to its right side (starboard) and quickly sank. The victims, likely in a state of panic, retreated to the cabins on the left side (port) of the yacht, hoping to find safety in the last air pockets as the ship filled with water. Unfortunately, the air they found turned toxic as oxygen levels dropped.
The bodies of British tech billionaire and yacht owner Mike Lynch, along with his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, were also discovered inside the ship. Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, survived the disaster. She had tried to warn the others below deck but was injured and unable to reach them in time. Bacares was among 15 passengers and crew members rescued by the Italian Coast Guard.
The ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was another victim. His body was found floating next to the yacht after it sank.
The Cause of the Sinking
While the exact cause of the yacht’s sinking is still under investigation, the stormy weather is believed to have played a significant role. The yacht was anchored off the coast of Sicily when the storm struck, causing it to capsize and sink within minutes. Witnesses reported that the yacht tilted heavily to one side before disappearing beneath the water.
Three crew members, including Captain James Cutfield, are currently under investigation for suspected negligent manslaughter and causing the shipwreck. Authorities are looking into whether any human errors contributed to the disaster.
Further Investigations
More tests are needed to fully confirm that the victims died from dry drowning, according to Italian media reports. Autopsies on the bodies of Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, and the ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, are scheduled for Friday. Toxicology results may provide more details about the victims’ final moments.
Survivors and the Impact
Fifteen people, including Bacares, were rescued in the immediate aftermath of the sinking. Survivors described the chaos as the storm hit, causing the yacht to lose stability. Bacares, who is also the owner of the firm that listed the yacht, had been onboard celebrating her husband’s recent legal victory. The family’s joy turned to tragedy as the storm struck.
This incident has raised serious concerns about safety procedures aboard luxury yachts, especially during extreme weather conditions. The ongoing investigation will likely provide answers to key questions about what went wrong and how such a tragedy could have been prevented.
Conclusion
The Bayesian yacht disaster is a tragic reminder of how quickly events can turn deadly at sea. The revelation of dry drowning as the cause of death for some of the victims adds to the heartbreak, as these individuals were alive and fighting for survival in the moments after the yacht sank. As investigations continue, the families of the victims hope for justice and answers about what led to this devastating event.
