Italy Prosecutors investigate potential manslaughter charges

Prosecutors in Italy are investigating potential manslaughter charges relating to the sinking of the superyacht Bayesian as the body of Mike Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, was recovered.

- Lorenzo Tondo

The Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily early on Monday morning when the area was hit by violent storms. Seven people died, including the British tech entrepreneur Lynch.

After four days of searching, the body of Hannah, the final person missing from the luxury yacht, was recovered yesterday, according to the Italian coastguard. The Press Association news agency reported a green body bag was seen being brought to Porticello from the site of the sinking just before 1pm local time.

The public prosecutor of Termini Imerese is investigating charges of shipwreck, disaster and multiple homicides over the sinking, according to the Italian news agency Adnkronos. These are similar to manslaughter charges in the UK and the specific charge of provoking or causing a shipwreck can carry a prison sentence of up to 12 years.

Prosecutors are expected to hold a press conference on the issue in Termini Imerse this afternoon.