The Crew of Superyacht Bayesian is in Trouble

Bahar O.

Nine of the ten crew members of the superyacht Bayesian survived, and they are now under investigation to determine what they did—or failed to do—during the critical moments leading up to the yacht's sinking.

The recent tragedy involving the superyacht Bayesian, which sank off the coast of Sicily, has placed the spotlight on its crew, especially Captain James Cutfield. The 51-year-old New Zealander is now under investigation for causing a shipwreck and manslaughter, with Italian authorities closely examining the actions taken - or not taken - by the crew during the critical moments leading up to the disaster.

The Crew’s Role Under Scrutiny

The sinking of the Bayesian in the early hours of Monday morning has raised serious concerns about the crew's preparedness and their response to the sudden and violent storm that struck. Investigators from the prosecutor's office in Termini Imerese, Sicily, are probing into whether the crew followed standard safety procedures, such as closing hatches and doors that should have been sealed during the storm.

According to reports from La Repubblica and Agi, Captain Cutfield claimed in his testimony that he did not anticipate any danger since there were no storm warnings issued. However, this statement is now being questioned, particularly given the severe weather conditions that ultimately led to the yacht's demise.

The crew's conduct is being scrutinized, with a particular focus on the moments between 03:50 AM and 04:06 AM when the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly. The crew member responsible for keeping watch on the bridge is also under investigation, with authorities considering the possibility of extending charges beyond the captain.

A Solemn Loss: Chef Recaldo Thomas
While nine of the ten crew members survived the ordeal, the tragedy claimed the life of the yacht’s chef, Recaldo Thomas. Known for his dedication and skill in the kitchen, Thomas was a beloved member of the crew.