Tech tycoon Mike Lynch drowned after the Bayesian sinking, but the causes of the deaths of three other British nationals remain under investigation, inquest hearings have heard.
It follows the sinking of the superyacht, off the coast of Sicily, in August. It had 22 people on board – 12 crew and 10 guests – and seven people died in total.
Billionaire entrepreneur Dr Lynch, 59, his daughter Hannah Lynch, 18, Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, 70, and his 71-year-old wife Judy Bloomer were among those who died on the stricken vessel.
The inquests into their deaths opened at Suffolk Coroner’s Court in Ipswich on Friday. Here is what we learned.
What we learned from day one of the inquest
Det Supt Mike Brown, of Suffolk Police, said their deaths came after the Bayesian “for reasons yet to be unascertained sank rapidly” between 4.15am and 4.45am on 19 August.
The officer said the time of death for all four was recorded as 5am the same day.
Det Supt Brown said Dr Lynch’s provisional medical cause of death was recorded as drowning following a post-mortem examination by Prof Antonia D’Argo.
He said the medical cause of death remained under investigation in the cases of Hannah Lynch and Mr and Mrs Bloomer following post-mortem examinations by Dr Tomasso D’Anna.
The officer said an investigation had been launched by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) to “understand how the Bayesian sank” while the Italian authorities have started “their own independent criminal investigations”.
He confirmed that as a result of this, any “further material” is in their hands.
Coroner Nigel Parsley adjourned proceedings until 15 April next year “for further work” to be carried out.
What happened in the Bayesian superyacht sinking?
Monday 19 August
The Bayesian yacht sinks at around 5am local time when the area is hit by a tornado.
Fifteen people are rescued but another seven remain missing. A body believed to be of the chef is later found near the yacht’s wreckage.
It emerges that British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter are among the six missing tourists.
Tuesday, 20 August
As the search for the missing six continues, reports emerge that they also include Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer; his wife Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo.
Divers try to access the yacht in the search for the bodies. The Italian Coastguard tells the PA news agency they fear the six missing tourists have died.
The body recovered at the scene is confirmed as Canadian-Antiguan national Recaldo Thomas, who was working as a chef on the yacht.
Wednesday, 21 August
A team of four British inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) arrive in Porticello to assist with the efforts, which also includes remotely controlled underwater vehicles and naval units.
Five bodies are found inside the yacht – four are brought to shore.
Thursday, 22 August
The body of the fifth missing person is brought to shore.
Some of the bodies recovered are identified as Mike Lynch and the Bloomers, prompting tributes to pour in for them.
Friday, 23 August
The search continues for the final missing person, who is later confirmed as 18-year-old Hannah Lynch.
The coastguard confirms late morning that her body has been found.
Saturday, 24 August
In a press conference, public prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio reportedly says his office has opened an initial investigation against unknown persons into manslaughter and negligent shipwreck.
Friday, 4 October
Inquests into the deaths of those on board the yacht are opened.
