
Mike Lynch's superyacht fully raised above water for first time since it sank
Seven people died when the Bayesian sank off the Italian island on August 19, including billionaire Mr Lynch, 59, and his daughter Hannah, 18.
The 56-metre (184ft) yacht was seen being held above the water by one of Europe's most powerful sea cranes near the fishing town of Porticello on Saturday afternoon.
The yacht's propeller, rudder and keel all appeared to be intact.
It was then lowered again slightly and salvage crews say that on Sunday it will be moved to Termini Imerese – where Italian prosecutors investigating the sinking are based.
On Saturday morning, workers could be seen on the vessel, which is covered in mud and algae, while the canopy and guard rails are mangled.
The full word 'Bayesian' could be seen on the stern of the yacht and a ladder which Italian coastguard officials say was originally on the ship to allow passengers to disembark was seen cracked and pointed upwards on the starboard side.
Also visible on the top deck was the stump of the mast.
Salvage workers say there were 18,000 litres of fuel on board.
Investigators in the UK and Italy say raising the vessel is crucial to fully understanding what happened.
Balloon-like kit will be used to lift the Bayesian's mast, a project insider said.
The yacht's 72-metre (236ft) mast was cut off on Tuesday using a remote-controlled tool and rested on the seabed.
He told PA: 'Lifting bags will be used on the mast, but this will not start until Tuesday or Wednesday.
'In the interim, the salvors on-site not accompanying Bayesian to port will be conducting a full sweep of the seabed site for any potential debris.'
Meanwhile, Michele Maltese, of the Italian coastguard, told reporters that thermal cameras were used to check for any potential fuel leaks.
A local law investigator was also at the scene, he said.
Marcus Cave of British firm TMC Marine, which is overseeing the salvage efforts, said: 'This was a complex and precise lifting operation to recover Bayesian, and followed a step-by-step programme of salvage work.
'The salvage team has progressed in a systematic way that prioritised the safety of all working on site and minimised any potential impact on the environment.
'This care for personnel and for the environment will continue as Bayesian is transported into port tomorrow.'
The vessel was originally expected to be raised last month, but salvage efforts were delayed after a diver died during underwater work on May 9, prompting greater use of remote-controlled equipment.
About 70 specialist personnel had been mobilised to Porticello from across Europe to work on the recovery operation, which began last month.
Inquest proceedings in the UK are looking at the deaths of Mr Lynch and his daughter, as well as Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, 70, and his wife, Judy Bloomer, 71, who were all British nationals.
Marine Accident Investigation Branch investigators said in an interim report that the Bayesian was knocked over by 'extreme wind'.
The yacht had a vulnerability to winds, but the owner and crew would not have known, the report said.
US lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo, and Canadian-Antiguan national Recaldo Thomas, who was working as a chef on the vessel, also died in the sinking.
Fifteen people, including Mr Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued.
Mr Lynch and his daughter were said to have lived in the vicinity of London and the Bloomers lived in Sevenoaks in Kent.
The tycoon founded software giant Autonomy in 1996 and was cleared in June last year of carrying out a massive fraud over the sale of the firm to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011.
The boat trip was a celebration of his acquittal in the case in the US.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
35 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Andy Carroll quizzed by cops twice after bust-ups with girlfriend at packed restaurant and hotel during Greek holiday
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER England striker Andy Carroll was twice quizzed by police over bust-ups with his lover during a break on Greek party island Mykonos. The ex-Premier League wildman, 36, was questioned about the rows with make-up artist to the stars Lou Teasdale at a packed beachside restaurant and then at their hotel. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Andy Carroll was twice quizzed by police over bust-ups with Lou Teasdale during a break on Greek party island Mykonos 7 Carroll was questioned about the rows at a packed beachside restaurant and then at their hotel Credit: Gary Stone 7 Carroll was taken to the local police station after the second incident Credit: Gary Stone He was taken to the police station after the second incident. Carroll — once the most expensive British Prem star — began dating Lou last year after his split from Towie star wife Billi Mucklow. One worker at the Nikolus Tavern said of the first argument: 'We recognised him as the footballer Andy Carroll immediately. 'He seemed very drunk and furious with his partner. 'He was using very bad words. It was improper behaviour. The woman looked very upset.' Police arrived and took the former Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham ace to one side for a chat. He was later allowed to return to Lou, 42. The shocked restaurant worker said: 'Police spoke to him. He was allowed to return, and the couple left after paying for their meal. Andy was very calm when the police arrived — he stood up and spoke to them outside the restaurant.' But just hours later, police were called again by alarmed staff after reports of damage to the couple's room at a £500-a-night boutique hotel. Officers are said to have escorted him to a local station for questioning. Andy Carroll Caught Sneaking Back Into £8.5m Mansion He was not arrested and it is understood no further action was taken. A hotel worker confirmed the incident there, telling The Sun on Sunday: 'Yes, they were staying here. He broke the door.' That night, Lou quit the hotel and stayed at celeb haven Soho Roc House private members' club. The next day, Carroll was seen looking sombre sat at the edge of a pool at swanky SantAnna beach club, popular among Prem footballers including England aces Anthony Gordon and Curtis Jones. One onlooker said: 'Andy wasn't drinking and was just sitting there on his own.' A source in Mykonos said: 'After the restaurant episode, there was another incident at the hotel. This time the footballer went to the police station. We know the woman stayed somewhere else that night.' A British holidaymaker who spotted the pair while out for a stroll said: 'We passed the couple, who were clearly having a heated argument. The man who we later realised was Andy Carroll seemed very drunk and shouting at her, 'I'm done with us!'. 7 Girlfriend Lou quit the hotel and fled to exclusive Soho Roc House private members' club after the row Credit: Gary Stone 7 The couple stayed at the Agia Annabeach hotel Credit: Gary Stone 7 Cops are said to have escorted him to a local station for questioning Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 'Later in the taverna, they were seated next to our table. Andy seemed very angry. She remained silent. It did feel uncomfortable to the degree that my partner even considered intervening due to his behaviour. 'The police arrived and approached their table. Andy went to speak to officers, while the woman sat with her head in her hands. She appeared to be crying.' The onlooker, who asked not to be named, was also on the same easyJet flight home to Gatwick as the pair on June 13. She added: 'Andy still appeared to be angrily talking. At one point, she seemed to accuse him of going off with two other women while on holiday.' Snaps shared by Lou online show the couple on luxury jaunts in recent months. But she shared only one from Mykonos — a beach scene with neither of them in it. However, they appear to have patched up their differences, with the latest images shared including spending time together with Lou's dad on Father's Day last Sunday. Bearded Andy was reportedly planning to propose to Lou despite still being married to Billi, 36. The millionaire striker and wife confirmed their split last September. Weeks later, he and Lou revealed their romance. They moved to France after he joined fourth-tier club Bordeaux. But Carroll last week announced he was quitting the club to be closer to his children. As well as three with Billi, he has two from a previous relationship. A joint statement from Carroll and Lou last night said: 'Whilst having a private dinner in a restaurant on a quiet holiday in Mykonos, we had a heated discussion of the sort that most couples have had on occasion. It quickly became apparent to the police that there was no reason for them to be there. 'We went outside the restaurant with them together as they insisted they wanted to 'look after' us. 'As far as we are concerned, the situation has been blown out of all proportion by an interested member of the public. No one was arrested and no one was charged with anything. We are very happy, in love and looking forward to our future together and we are disappointed that a private disagreement has become a public matter.' The Mykonos hotel and police on the island declined to comment when contacted last night. 7 Carroll with ex Billi Mucklow on their wedding day Credit: INSTAGRAM


Scottish Sun
35 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Family pay touching tribute to ‘beautiful soul' son, 20, who died after getting into difficulty while swimming
Friends have also praised the 'lovely' and 'caring young lad' for having a 'heart of gold' RIVER TRAGEDY Family pay touching tribute to 'beautiful soul' son, 20, who died after getting into difficulty while swimming Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE family of a boy who died after getting into difficulty while swimming in a river have paid tribute to their "beautiful soul" son. Jacob Rutkowski, 20, from Darlington, County Durham, is understood to have began to struggle after entering the River Tees in Gainford on Friday afternoon. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Tributes have poured in for Jacob Rutkowski, 20, following his death Credit: North News and Pictures 2 The young man died after getting into difficulty in the River Tees at Gainford on Friday afternoon Credit: Alamy Despite a huge emergency response to try to rescue the young man - including the deployment of an air ambulance, mountain rescue crews, police helicopter, paramedics and fire crews - he tragically died. Now, Jacob's family has released a touching tribute as part of a fundraiser to help support the family. The GoFundMe page reads: "As many of you have already heard, our family experienced the unimaginable. "This devastating loss has left our entire family heartbroken beyond words. "He was a son, a brother, a loving boyfriend — and above all, a beautiful soul taken far too soon." The family explained they were raising funds to help with funeral and memorial costs, as well as to support the family "during this painful time". They added: "Anything you can give will help ease the burden and allow us to focus on grieving and honouring his memory. "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts." At time of writing, Jacob's GoFundMe has already raised more than £1,650, helping it towards its goal of £4,500. At around 2.30pm on Friday, emergency crews had rushed to the small rural village of Gainford at around to try to save Jacob. A British 45-year-old woman drowns at a Lanzarote beach Police cordoned off an area where ambulance incident response teams and the fire service water unit parked up - both blocking access to the river banks. Drones were also seen flying above the river while dogs patrolled the ground to help rescue Jacob. Tragically, however, Durham Police eventually confirmed it had found a body in the river. In a statement on Friday, cops said: "We're sorry to report that a body has been found in the river at Gainford this evening. "It is believed a 20-year-old man had entered the water this afternoon and got into difficulty. "Formal identification has yet to take place but the man's family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. "We would like to thank all our emergency services partners for their assistance." 'I JUST CAN'T GET OVER IT' Other tributes to Jacob have also poured in, describing the 20-year-old as having a "heart of gold". One friend wrote: "Such a caring young lad honestly, sending my love and thoughts to the family. "I just can't get over it, he was so lovely. Breaks my heart, forever 20." Another said: "Absolutely heartbroken for my friend and her family. Life is just so precious." A third wrote: "What a lad. He was taken way to soon."


The Independent
39 minutes ago
- The Independent
Mike Lynch's superyacht fully raised above water for first time since it sank
Tech tycoon Mike Lynch's superyacht has been fully raised above water for the first time since it sank off the coast of Sicily. Seven people died when the Bayesian sank off the Italian island on August 19, including billionaire Mr Lynch, 59, and his daughter Hannah, 18. The 56-metre (184ft) yacht was seen being held above the water by one of Europe's most powerful sea cranes near the fishing town of Porticello on Saturday afternoon. The yacht's propeller, rudder and keel all appeared to be intact. It was then lowered again slightly and salvage crews say that on Sunday it will be moved to Termini Imerese – where Italian prosecutors investigating the sinking are based. On Saturday morning, workers could be seen on the vessel, which is covered in mud and algae, while the canopy and guard rails are mangled. The full word 'Bayesian' could be seen on the stern of the yacht and a ladder which Italian coastguard officials say was originally on the ship to allow passengers to disembark was seen cracked and pointed upwards on the starboard side. Also visible on the top deck was the stump of the mast. Salvage workers say there were 18,000 litres of fuel on board. Investigators in the UK and Italy say raising the vessel is crucial to fully understanding what happened. Balloon-like kit will be used to lift the Bayesian's mast, a project insider said. The yacht's 72-metre (236ft) mast was cut off on Tuesday using a remote-controlled tool and rested on the seabed. He told PA: 'Lifting bags will be used on the mast, but this will not start until Tuesday or Wednesday. 'In the interim, the salvors on-site not accompanying Bayesian to port will be conducting a full sweep of the seabed site for any potential debris.' Meanwhile, Michele Maltese, of the Italian coastguard, told reporters that thermal cameras were used to check for any potential fuel leaks. A local law investigator was also at the scene, he said. Marcus Cave of British firm TMC Marine, which is overseeing the salvage efforts, said: 'This was a complex and precise lifting operation to recover Bayesian, and followed a step-by-step programme of salvage work. 'The salvage team has progressed in a systematic way that prioritised the safety of all working on site and minimised any potential impact on the environment. 'This care for personnel and for the environment will continue as Bayesian is transported into port tomorrow.' The vessel was originally expected to be raised last month, but salvage efforts were delayed after a diver died during underwater work on May 9, prompting greater use of remote-controlled equipment. About 70 specialist personnel had been mobilised to Porticello from across Europe to work on the recovery operation, which began last month. Inquest proceedings in the UK are looking at the deaths of Mr Lynch and his daughter, as well as Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, 70, and his wife, Judy Bloomer, 71, who were all British nationals. Marine Accident Investigation Branch investigators said in an interim report that the Bayesian was knocked over by 'extreme wind'. The yacht had a vulnerability to winds, but the owner and crew would not have known, the report said. US lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo, and Canadian-Antiguan national Recaldo Thomas, who was working as a chef on the vessel, also died in the sinking. Fifteen people, including Mr Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued. Mr Lynch and his daughter were said to have lived in the vicinity of London and the Bloomers lived in Sevenoaks in Kent. The tycoon founded software giant Autonomy in 1996 and was cleared in June last year of carrying out a massive fraud over the sale of the firm to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011. The boat trip was a celebration of his acquittal in the case in the US.