Tragic superyacht was 'vulnerable to strong winds'

Investigators' initial findings on fatal sinking of tycoon's vessel

- BY NEIL LANCEFIELD and TED HENNESSEY

TECH tycoon Mike Lynch's tragic superyacht was susceptible to extreme winds, say investigators.

The 59-year-old billionaire and daughter Hannah, 18, were among seven people who died when the 184ft Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily last August.

Wind of 63.4 knots (73mph) on the vessel's beam its widest point were sufficient to tip it over, an interim report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch shows.

It added the Bayesian, which has a 237ft mast, may also have been susceptible to lighter gusts.

The MAIB stated such vulnerabilities were unknown to the owner or the crew as they were not included in the stability information book on board.