Italian Prosecutors Investigate Deadly Superyacht Disaster Near Sicily

Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into a culpable shipwreck and multiple manslaughter following the capsizing of a superyacht during a storm off Sicily, resulting in seven deaths, including British tech magnate Mike Lynch and his daughter. The incident's cause is under scrutiny, particularly how an 'unsinkable' vessel sank.

Prosecutors in Italy have opened an investigation into culpable shipwreck and multiple manslaughter after a superyacht capsized off the coast of Sicily, killing seven people onboard. Victims included British tech magnate Mike Lynch and his daughter.

Termini Imerese prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio confirmed the launch of the investigation, although no suspects have been identified yet. 'We are only in the initial phase of the investigation. We can't exclude any sort of development at present,' Cartosio stated at a news conference.

Investigators are focusing on how the 'unsinkable' yacht, built by Perini Navi, sank while a nearby sailboat remained unscathed. Preliminary findings suggest a rapid 'downburst' wind may have caused the disaster. Deputy Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano added that they are examining whether passengers were alerted during the emergency. Rescuers recovered the last of the seven victims, including Lynch's daughter Hannah Lynch, after four days of searching.

(With inputs from agencies.)