Criminal probe launched over sinking of luxury yacht off Sicily

ROME

Italian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the sinking of the luxury yacht Bayesian, which capsized off the northern coast of Sicily during an Aug. 19 storm, killing seven people, including British billionaire Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah, officials said Saturday.

In rescue efforts, 15 of the 22 people on board were initially saved; one body was found, and six were reported missing.

The bodies of the remaining victims were found by divers after an extensive search operation that ended on Friday.

At a Saturday press conference, Republic Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio confirmed the investigation is focused on charges of negligence and multiple homicide.

"This matter cannot be rushed. It must be determined to whom the crimes can be attributed," Cartosio said, indicating that responsibility could fall on the yacht's captain, crew, or the company that built it.

Prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano added that the victims appeared to have been trying to escape when the boat sank.

British experts have also arrived in Sicily to assist with the investigation, the Italian media reported.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul