Bayesian recovery expected within two weeks with new divers and more robotics
Preparations to accommodate the hull of the sailing ship are almost complete with the provision of a steel "bed" specially made on the dock
The salvage of the Bayesian, the sailing yacht that sank last August off the coast of Porticello (Palermo), killing seven people, including tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah, has seen preparatory work slowed down by the recent death of a diver and the resulting investigation.
According to TMC Marine, the hull is expected to be raised from the seabed in the second half of June. The operation, dependent on the progress of the work and weather conditions, follows the removal of the 72-meter mast, which was carried out using precision cutting techniques. Two weeks ago, the main boom, sail, furling system, and a Bayesian anchor were recovered and landed in Termini Imerese. The recovery team then tackled the complex task of installing eight marker lines under the hull, which will be used to position the eight main steel lifting strops, allowing for the final recovery of the superyacht. Currently, TMC Marine informs: ilgiornaledisicilia.it Four signal lines have been inserted under the bow of the vessel, while work continues on the remaining four in the aft section.
A change in the recovery team occurred after the death of diver Rob Cornelius Maria Huijben, 39, due to an explosion at 50 meters of depth while cutting the boom. The victim's Dutch colleagues, ANSA reports, have left the wreck site in Porticello. In their place, divers from other companies have arrived, including a Sardinian company specializing in recovery. This rotation may be linked to the Termini Imerese Prosecutor's Office's registration of the representative of the Dutch company for which the diver worked.
Since its sinking on August 19, 2024, the Bayesian has been constantly monitored by specialists and anti-pollution equipment, as required by the detailed environmental protection plan, with no anomalies detected. At the same time, visual surveys of the surrounding seabed are being conducted to identify any debris detached from the 56-meter superyacht, which was anchored 300 meters from the port of Porticello, 15 km east of Palermo.
Over the past two weeks, a significant influx of new specialized equipment has arrived in Sicily from across Europe, accompanied by new members of the recovery team. The diver accident has slowed and changed recovery plans, leading to the increased use of remotely operated robots to cut away additional pieces of the vessel. This has led to an increase in the use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and a consequent reduction in diving activities, improving the safety of operations. However, not all interventions can be carried out with robots; as confirmed by TMC, the consortium coordinating the operations, divers will still be required to harness the hull and allow it to be lifted. In Termini Imerese, preparations are almost complete, with the installation of a specially constructed steel "bed" on the dock to accommodate the Bayesian's hull.
"Over the past two weeks, salvage teams have made significant progress on land and at sea. Preparations for the vessel's final and safe delivery to the dock are now complete. At sea, the vessel is being finally raised from the seabed, continuing to prioritize the safety of those working on this complex lifting and salvage operation," said Marcus Cave, Head of Naval Architecture and Director of TMC Marine. The safety perimeter maintained by authorities, consisting of one nautical mile (1.852 meters) in the air and 650 meters at sea around the shipyard, will remain strictly in place throughout the salvage process. This perimeter is essential to ensuring the safety of the personnel involved.
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