Crew members aboard the Bayesian superyacht, which went down off the coast of Italy, recounted how they ‘were traversing the walls’ of the angled vessel to ‘rescue anyone we could’.
An inquiry is currently being conducted regarding how the opulent ship sank near Sicily, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven individuals, including British tech mogul Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah.
Matthew Griffiths, 22, was on watch duty when the storm struck and informed prosecutors that he ‘awoke the captain when the winds reached 20 knots,’ as reported by Italy’s Ansa news agency.
‘He commanded for everyone else to be awakened. I proceeded to stow away the cushions and plants, secured the windows of the lounge at the bow, and closed several hatches.’
He further explained that the ship ‘began to tilt, and we were thrown into the water. We managed to clamber back aboard and tried to assist those we could.’
The captain successfully saved ‘the young girl and her mother,’ he added, believed to be a reference to yacht guest Charlotte Golunski, 36, who was earlier reported to have kept her one-year-old daughter’s head above the surface to protect her.
Italian prosecutors have initiated a thorough inquiry into the factors surrounding the sinking.
The ship’s skipper, New Zealander James Cutfield, is facing investigation for potential manslaughter and negligence related to the shipwreck.
Tim Parker Eaton, the technician responsible for securing the yacht’s engine compartment, and Matthew Griffith, are also under investigation for similar potential charges, their attorney stated.
Lawyer Mario Scopesi remarked: ‘The extent of their possible liabilities remains uncertain, as the investigation has just begun.’
He noted that both Parker Eaton and Griffith departed Italy on Wednesday, along with Cutfield and the other crew members.
Under the Italian legal framework, being under investigation does not imply guilt for the individuals, nor does it necessarily mean that formal charges will ensue.
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