According to local reports, the 30-meter yacht “Angiola II” sank off the coast of Porto Cervo near Sardinia on Tuesday afternoon after seawater flooded the vessel due to engine seal failures, according to local media reports. Meanwhile, rescue operations continue off the coast of Sicily following the sinking of the 56-meter sailing yacht “Bayesian”.
Angiola II Sinking Off Sardinia
The 30-meter yacht “Angiola II” sank approximately seven meters deep off the coast of Porto Cervo after enduring a three-hour struggle managed by the coast guard. According to reports from the Italian media, the luxury vessel was valued at more than 8 million euros and had been delivered to its unnamed Italian owner just four days prior following an extensive renovation. Shipbroker agency Agenzia Marittima De Felice announced the acquisition in July, noting that the buyer was a long-standing client of the firm. Built in July 2020 by Italian shipyard Permare under the Amer Yachts brand, “Angiola II” was the sixth hull in the Amer F100 series, which accommodates up to ten guests across five cabins.
Experts suggest that engine seal failures sparked a fire that allowed water to breach the hull and strip the vessel of its buoyancy, though this version of events remains officially unconfirmed. Fourteen people were on board when the yacht began to sink, including the owner and his companion. A passing vessel rescued twelve individuals, while the owner and his friend remained on the sinking yacht until a patrol boat transported them to Poltu Quatu. No injuries were reported during the incident. La Maddalena port authority is implementing measures to prevent environmental damage, and reports indicate a 200-ton pontoon will be utilized to raise the wreck.
Bayesian Tragedy and Search Operations Off Sicily
A separate maritime disaster unfolded off the coast of Sicily early Monday morning when the 56-meter sailing yacht “Bayesian” sank following a severe storm near the village of Porticello close to Palermo. According to witness statements given to the Italian news agency ANSA, a sudden storm snapped the vessel’s mast, causing the ship to lose its balance and capsize around 5 a.m. local time. The Italian shipbuilding firm Perini constructed the vessel in 2008, featuring a 75-meter aluminum mast noted as the tallest of its kind, with a refit completed in 2020 under the direction of the British company Camper & Nicholsons.
Search and rescue divers found the wreckage of the “Bayesian” at a depth of 50 meters. Marco Tilotta, head of the diving team attempting to access the sunken hull, told Reuters that teams faced significant challenges because the hull rests at a 90-degree angle and narrow stairs leading to the cabins are blocked by debris. British businessman Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter are among the six people reported missing following the sinking. Additional missing passengers include Morgan Stanley International board chairman Jonathan Blumer and his wife Judy, Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo, and the ship’s chef, while one person was confirmed dead.
Did you know? The “Bayesian” was built by Perini Navi in 2008 and earned multiple design accolades, accommodating up to 12 guests across six cabins alongside 10 crew members.
Eyewitness Accounts and Investigations
Nearby vessels played a critical role in rescuing survivors from the “Bayesian” disaster before authorities arrived. Carsten Borner, captain of a nearby ship, told Reuters that he activated his engine during the storm to maintain control and avoid a collision. His crew recovered several survivors on a life raft—including a one-year-old British girl, the shipowner’s wife, and two other severely injured individuals—and brought them aboard until the coast guard assumed control. Captain Borner noted that his own vessel listed heavily in the severe weather before the “Bayesian” went down. Out of 22 people on board—including citizens of the UK, USA, and Canada—15 individuals were successfully rescued, with eight survivors subsequently transferred to local hospitals in stable condition. The Termini Imerese public prosecutor’s office has launched an official investigation into the disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Angiola II to sink near Sardinia?
According to preliminary expert estimates reported by local media, engine seal failures ignited a fire that caused water to flood the yacht, though official confirmation is still pending.
Who was on board the Bayesian when it sank off Sicily?
The 56-meter sailing yacht carried 22 people, including passengers and crew from the UK, USA, and Canada. While 15 individuals were rescued, six people—including British businessman Mike Lynch and his daughter—were reported missing.
How deep are the wrecks located?
The “Angiola II” rests at a depth of approximately seven meters off the coast of Sardinia, while the “Bayesian” wreckage lies at a depth of 50 meters off the coast of Sicily.