Overview

• The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) identified critical stability flaws in the Bayesian's design, including an unlisted raised keel and reduced stability under motor navigation.
• Transient hurricane-force winds exceeding 63.4 knots were found to have rapidly capsized the yacht, with heeling to 90 degrees occurring in under 15 seconds.
• Survivors and investigators reported chaos onboard during the capsize, with unsecured furnishings blocking escape routes and seven fatalities, including owner Mike Lynch.
• A deckhand delayed issuing an SOS to record the storm for social media, potentially impacting the timeliness of rescue operations.
• The findings are provisional, pending further analysis by Italian authorities and the recovery of the wreck, which remains under investigation.