Inquiry Launched Into Deadly Superyacht Sinking

Italian prosecutors are investigating superyacht captain James Cutfield following the sinking of a yacht owned by British tech magnate Mike Lynch. The incident killed Lynch and six others. While it was caused by sudden weather, Cutfield may face charges of manslaughter and shipwreck through negligence.

Italian prosecutors have launched an official investigation into James Cutfield, the captain of the superyacht owned by British tech magnate Mike Lynch. The yacht sank off the coast of Sicily last week, resulting in the deaths of its owner and six others.

Reuters has not independently verified the decision. In Italy, being placed under investigation does not imply guilt, nor does it mean that formal charges will necessarily follow. James Cutfield, a 51-year-old New Zealand national, is currently being investigated for manslaughter and shipwreck, according to Italian newspapers La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera.

The head of the public prosecutor's office in Termini Imerese, Ambrogio Cartosio, stated that the yacht was struck by a sudden meteorological event, yet it is possible that the crimes of multiple manslaughters and causing a shipwreck through negligence were committed. Maritime law holds the captain fully responsible for the ship, crew, and passengers.

Neither James Cutfield nor his eight surviving crew members have publicly commented on the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)