Italian Prosecutors Probe Superyacht Captain After Tragic Sinking

Italian prosecutors are investigating James Cutfield, the captain of the superyacht 'Bayesian,' after it sank off Sicily in an intense storm, killing British tech magnate Mike Lynch and six others. Investigations focus on potential negligence leading to manslaughter and causing a shipwreck.

Italian prosecutors are set to investigate James Cutfield, the captain of the ill-fated superyacht 'Bayesian,' which sank off the coast of Sicily during a severe storm. The catastrophe resulted in the deaths of British tech magnate Mike Lynch and six other individuals.

The yacht, measuring 56 meters (184 feet), was carrying 22 people when it was struck by a pre-dawn storm. The yacht capsized and sank, with 15 people surviving, including Lynch's wife. Italian media outlets, La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, reported that Cutfield, a 51-year-old New Zealander, is under investigation for manslaughter and causing a shipwreck.

The investigation could also extend to another crew member who was on duty when the storm hit. Franco Romani, a nautical architect involved in designing the yacht, stated that the crew likely underestimated the severity of the weather and failed to secure all openings, contributing to the disaster.

(With inputs from agencies.)