New theory cited over Bayesian sinking

Prosecutors investigating the sinking of the Bayesian superyacht have opened an inquiry into culpable shipwreck and manslaughter as they consider a new freak weather theory

DOWNBURST
Air plummets down from storm cloud

Rain ball

Contact


Outburst: Winds hit surface and spread outwards unpredictably

Ground-level straight line winds up to 150km/h


BAYESIAN

10 crew, 12 guests
15 rescued

Builder 
Perini Navi

Launched 
Feb 2008

Investigators suspect hatch left open

Stern door
Tender vessel for guests – accessed via stern – reported missing

Yacht sank stern first. 
Suggests stern door may have been open

Retractable keel partially elevated


Mast height
72 metres – world’s tallest aluminium mast

High centre of gravity makes boat less stable

WIND 100+km/h

Windows won’t break even if vessel does full roll

Huge weight of keel counters strong wind to steady boat

Keel down: greater stability but more sideways drag 
Keel up: less roll for greater comfort but less stable


Sources: NOAA, BBC, Financial Times
© GRAPHIC NEWS