Italian Prosecutors Launch Investigation into Lynch Yacht Sinking, Possible Negligent Homicide
Rome, August 25, 2024– Italian prosecutors have announced the opening of an investigation into the sinking of the yacht Bayliss, owned by British software entrepreneur Mike Lynch, with the possibility ofnegligent homicide charges. The announcement came during a press conference held on August 24th in Termini Imerese, the region in southernItaly where the tragedy occurred.
The Bayliss sank on August 19th in the waters off the coast of Sicily. The yacht was carrying 10 crew members and 12 passengers, with 15 individualsrescued and seven confirmed dead, including Lynch, his daughter, the yacht’s chef, and the couple Chris Molvillo (a lawyer who was a friend of Lynch) and his wife, along with the banker Jonathan Bloomer and hiswife.
Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio stated that while the yacht’s sinking was likely caused by a sudden weather event, the possibility of negligent shipwreck and multiple counts of negligent homicide are being investigated. The investigation will focus on determining potential responsibility, which could lie with the manufacturersof the Bayliss or the crew members. At this stage, no suspects have been formally identified.
Cartosio expressed concern that if the investigation reveals the disaster was caused by failure to perform the duties required during navigation, it would be even more tragic.
The investigation will involve the challenging and costlytask of raising the Bayliss from its resting place 50 meters underwater. The vessel is reportedly lying on its side and appears to be intact.
Another prosecutor, Raffaele Cammarano, stated that investigators are uncertain whether a black box exists and are awaiting the recovery of the vessel to confirm its presence.
The captain of the Bayliss and other survivors have been questioned this week. They have not publicly commented on the sinking.
Prosecutors have stated that while the crew members are not obligated to remain in Sicily, they must cooperate with the investigation. The captain is currently restricted from leaving the region to facilitate furtherquestioning. Six passengers have since departed the hotel where they were staying.
The sinking of the Bayliss has baffled experts, as the vessel was built by a high-end Italian yacht manufacturer and designed to withstand significant storms. The speed at which it sank has raised questions, prompting experts to question how such avessel could sink so rapidly.
The investigation is ongoing and is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic sinking of the Bayliss and determine if any individuals or entities bear responsibility for the loss of life.
【来源】http://www.chinanews.com/gj/2024/08-25/10274448.shtml
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