Superyacht tragedy in Italy: ‘Dry drowning’ confirmed as cause of deaths

A recent investigation into last month’s superyacht disaster off the coast of Italy has revealed that four of the seven victims died from “dry drowning,” a rare phenomenon where no water is found in the lungs.

The victims were aboard the 56-meter luxury yacht Bayesian, which sank near Porticello, Sicily, after being struck by a sudden downburst on August 19, 2024.

These new findings have sparked concerns over maritime safety regulations and emergency preparedness on luxury yachts.

Initial autopsy results

The forensic examinations of American lawyer Chris Morvillo, his wife Neda Morvillo, and British couple Jonathan and Anne Elizabeth Judith Bloomer, were conducted at the Forensic Medicine Institute of the Palermo Polyclinic hospital.

According to reports, the victims found an air bubble inside the cabin, which provided temporary relief.

They consumed all available oxygen, leading to a build-up of carbon dioxide, which eventually turned the air toxic. This oxygen deprivation, without any water inhalation, led to “dry drowning.”

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch’s autopsy pending

Autopsies conducted at Palermo’s Forensic Medicine Institute confirmed that American lawyer Chris Morvillo, his wife Neda, and British couple Jonathan and Anne Elizabeth Judith Bloomer perished from oxygen deprivation, not traditional drowning.

Investigators believe the victims found temporary refuge in an air bubble inside the yacht’s cabin, but as oxygen-depleted and carbon dioxide built up, the toxic environment caused “dry drowning.”

Autopsies on British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter are scheduled for Friday, while the ship’s chef, Recaldo Thomas, remains pending due to difficulties in contacting his family in Antigua.

Toxicology reports for all victims are expected soon, although no alcohol or drug tests have been conducted on the yacht’s crew members.

A criminal investigation is underway against the yacht’s captain, James Cutfield, machine engineer Tim Parker Eaton, and sailor Matthew Griffith, who are all under investigation for “multiple manslaughter” and causing a shipwreck.

Authorities have stressed that being under investigation does not equate to being charged with a crime, and the three men have been allowed to leave Italy following the disaster.

The wreck of the Bayesian remains a priority for recovery efforts due to its potential environmental impact.

The yacht carried 18,000 liters of fuel, posing a significant risk to the waters near Palermo.

Bids for the salvage operation, funded by a company owned by Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, have been submitted.

The salvage is also critical for the ongoing investigation, as authorities seek to understand how the yacht sank within just 16 minutes after being hit by violent weather.

What’s next for the investigation?

The tragedy has ignited discussions about maritime safety, especially since none of the victims suffered physical injuries such as broken bones, highlighting possible flaws in emergency response protocols.

The disaster also coincides with Lynch’s ongoing legal battles, including a $4 billion civil lawsuit pursued by Hewlett-Packard in the UK.

Authorities are focusing on both the technical aspects of the yacht’s sinking and the actions—or inactions—of the crew members. With initial autopsies suggesting a rapid and unexpected death by “dry drowning,” the incident raises questions about emergency preparedness on luxury yachts.

As toxicology results are awaited, the legal proceedings and salvage operation will play critical roles in piecing together what happened in those crucial 16 minutes.

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