WORLD NEWS

Italian authorities open manslaughter investigation into superyacht sinking

Aug 24, 2024, 8:17 PM | Updated: 8:17 pm

Divers enter Porticello harbor near Palermo, with the body of Hannah Lynch at the back of the boat ...

Divers enter Porticello harbor near Palermo, with the body of Hannah Lynch at the back of the boat on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. (Alessandro Fucarini, AFP, Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

(Alessandro Fucarini, AFP, Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

(CNN) — Authorities in Italy have opened a manslaughter investigation into the sinking of a superyacht, which killed British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others off the coast of Sicily earlier this week.

Announcing the probe, prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio said investigators found it was not the weather that caused the ship to sink, but was a result of the behavior of the crew and the way the boat was handled.

He said the investigation was not aimed at any individual.

“There are many possibilities for culpability.  It could be just the captain. It could be the whole crew. It could be the guard. We are evaluating all of the factors to see whose behavior fault can be assigned to,” Cartosio said.

He added that the prosecutor’s office had “filed a dossier, at present against unknown persons, alleging the crime of negligent shipwreck and manslaughter.”

The British-flagged vessel, with 22 passengers and crew members on board, sank on Monday during a violent storm.

Seven bodies have been recovered over the past four days, with divers working nearly 50 meters (160 feet) underwater to retrieve them. The last – believed to be that of Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter Hannah – was found in the wreck on Friday.

The other missing people whose bodies were recovered are thought to be those of Morgan Stanley International director Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy Bloomer, prominent American lawyer Chris Morvilloand his wife Neda Morvillo, and that of onboard chef Recaldo Thomas.

Five bodies were found in one cabin, and while authorities stressed the boat needs to be salvaged before they can draw firm conclusions, they have speculated the group may have been searching for remaining air pockets as the boat sank.

‘Unsinkable’

Another prosecutor speaking at the same conference, Raffaele Cammarano, said that those killed were likely asleep at the time of the storm which was why they were unable to escape.

Cammarano said the crew did not undergo drug and alcohol tests as they were “in great shock and needed treatment” after surviving the shipwreck.

Investigators still have many unresolved questions, Cammarano explained, such as whether there was a black box onboard the ship.

“It [the sinking] was a sudden and abrupt event. We must wait for the recovery of the ship,” Cammarano underscored.

While the reasons for the sinking of the Bayesian superyacht remain unconfirmed, many believe the yacht was struck by a waterspout — one of several types of tornadoes. The coast guard reported the yacht was struck by a tornado, and a waterspout was reported to the European Severe Weather Database around the same time.

Authorities cannot confirm at this stage whether some of the ship’s hatches were left open, Cammarano said, which could help explain why it sank so quickly.

The CEO of the firm that owns the boat’s manufacturer called the superyacht “unsinkable.”

“Sailing ships, it is well known, are the safest in the most absolute sense,” Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, told Sky News in an interview.

“First of all, because they have very little surface compared to a yacht facing into the wind. Second, with the structure of the drift keel, they become unsinkable bodies.”

KSL 5 TV Live

World News

The site of the 1956 Cortina Winter Olympic Games’ speed skating venue, Lake Misurina sits at 5,7...

Keira Farrimond and Alex Cabrero, KSL TV

The evolution of speed skating ice: From natural lakes to high-tech oval

How Italy's Lake Misurina, the last natural ice Olympic speed skating venue from 1956 set the stage for record-breaking performances and explore the evolution to modern artificial ice rinks like Utah's Olympic Oval, the 'Fastest Ice on Earth.

11 hours ago

Pope Francis touches his eyes as he presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St....

Nicole Winfield, Associated Press

Pope rebukes Trump administration over migrant deportations, and appears to take direct aim at Vance

Pope Francis has issued a major rebuke to the Trump administration’s mass deportation of migrants.

19 hours ago

A Google map now shows the Gulf of America....

Josh Campbell, CNN

‘Gulf of America’ arrives on Google Maps

The body of water formerly known in the United States as the Gulf of Mexico is now listed for US-based users of Google Maps as the Gulf of America.

20 hours ago

FILE - President Donald Trump stands with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House, June 25, 20...

Zeke Miller, AP White House Corespondent

Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II as he escalates pressure on his Gaza resettlement plan

President Donald Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House as he escalates pressure on the Arab nation to take in refugees from Gaza as part of his audacious plan to remake the Middle East.

1 day ago

...

Keira Farrimond and Alex Cabrero, KSL TV

Milano Cortina 2026: Exploring the most geographically diverse Winter Olympics venues

The Winter Games in Italy aren't until 2026, but KSL TV got early access to some of the many venues that will host the events.

2 days ago

Israeli captives, from left to right, Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi and Or Levy, who have been held hos...

Melanie Lidman and Samy Magdy, Associated Press

Hamas says it will delay the release of more hostages, putting Gaza ceasefire at risk

Hamas says it will delay the further release of hostages in the Gaza Strip after accusing Israel of violating a fragile ceasefire.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Italian authorities open manslaughter investigation into superyacht sinking