Foundering of the yacht Bayesian with loss of 7 lives
Location: 0.5 nautical miles south‑east of Porticello, Italy.
Interim Accident Investigation Report 2025
Read our interim marine accident investigation report, which contains information from the investigation completed to date, including a simplified narrative of events; factual detail and analysis of the environmental conditions; details of Bayesian’s stability, as documented; and a summary of a study into how the yacht was likely impacted by the environmental conditions experienced.
Summary
On 19 August 2024, the UK registered large sailing yacht Bayesian foundered in high winds 0.5 nautical miles south-east of the port of Porticello, Italy. There were 12 guests and 10 crew on board at the time the vessel sank. Six of the guests and one crew member died.
Safety issues
This is an interim report. The circumstances of the accident have not yet been subjected to a full analysis from which to draw conclusions and identify safety issues. However, the initial studies commissioned by the MAIB show that Bayesian may have been vulnerable to high winds, and that such winds may have been evident at the time of the accident.
Statement from the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents.
Photograph credit
Photograph of Bayesian courtesy of Karsten Börner, Skipper of Sir Robert Baden Powell.