Manslaughter Probe Launched After Sicily Superyacht Tragedy Claims Seven Lives

Italian authorities have initiated a manslaughter investigation following the sinking of a superyacht off Sicily, killing British entrepreneur Mike Lynch and six others. Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio stated crew actions, not weather, caused the tragedy. Divers have recovered all seven bodies, including Lynch's daughter and five others.

Italian authorities have launched a manslaughter investigation after the sinking of a superyacht off Sicily earlier this week, which claimed seven lives including British IT entrepreneur Mike Lynch. According to CNN, prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio announced the probe, emphasizing that the crew's actions and the handling of the boat, rather than weather conditions, were responsible for the sinking.

Cartosio clarified that the investigation was not targeting any specific individual at this stage. "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," he stated.

The prosecutor's office has filed a dossier against unknown persons for negligent shipwreck and manslaughter. The superyacht, flying a British flag, sank on Monday during a violent storm, with 22 passengers and crew members on board. Over the past four days, divers have worked at depths of approximately 50 meters (160 feet) to recover the seven bodies. The final body, believed to be Lynch's 18-year-old daughter Hannah, was found on Friday. Other victims include Morgan Stanley International director Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, prominent American lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda, and onboard chef Recaldo Thomas, CNN reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)