Investigation Launched: Captain Probed After Superyacht Tragedy off Sicily

Italian prosecutors have begun an investigation into James Cutfield, the captain of the superyacht that sank off Sicily, resulting in the death of British tech magnate Mike Lynch and six others. Despite being interrogated, formal charges have yet to be filed. The yacht was hit by a sudden storm.

Italian prosecutors have initiated an investigation into James Cutfield, the captain of the ill-fated superyacht that sank off Sicily last week. The disaster resulted in the deaths of British tech magnate Mike Lynch and six other passengers, according to a judicial source on Monday.

James Cutfield, a 51-year-old New Zealand national, is facing potential charges of manslaughter and causing a shipwreck. However, being placed under investigation in Italy does not imply guilt or guarantee formal charges. Notices must be issued to those under investigation before autopsies can be carried out on the deceased.

The probe follows Cutfield's second interrogation and aims to determine whether other crew members or individuals could also face charges. The Bayesian, a British-flagged 56-meter yacht, was carrying 22 people when it capsized and sank off northern Sicily during a pre-dawn storm, leaving 15 survivors, including Lynch's wife.

(With inputs from agencies.)