PORTICELLO, Italy (AP) — A British-flagged luxury superyacht, the Bayesian, which tragically sank off the coast of Sicily last year, has completed its final journey to the Sicilian port of Termini Imerese. This event occurred on Sunday, following a complex recovery operation that lifted the vessel out of the water. The sinking claimed the lives of U.K. tech magnate Mike Lynch and six other individuals.

The recovery operation involved a yellow floating crane barge that kept the 56-meter (184-foot) yacht elevated as it was transferred from the port of Porticello to Termini Imerese. The vessel, which exhibited a white top and blue hull covered with algae and mud, docked in Termini Imerese in the early afternoon of Sunday. The final steps of the delicate recovery process are scheduled to conclude on Monday, involving the transportation of the vessel to shore where it will be placed in a specially constructed steel cradle.

Following this, the Bayesian will be made available for investigators who will conduct further examinations to establish the cause of the sinking. The yacht met its tragic fate on August 19, 2024, off Porticello, near Palermo, during a violent storm. On that occasion, Lynch was treating friends to a cruise to celebrate his recent acquittal on fraud charges in the U.S. Tragically, Lynch, his daughter, and five others perished in the incident, although fifteen individuals survived, including the captain and all crew members except the chef.

Currently, Italian authorities are conducting a full criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sinking. The vessel was raised from the seabed, approximately 50 meters (165 feet) deep, over the course of three days. This methodical process allowed the recovery team to secure steel lifting straps, slings, and harnesses under the keel of the yacht.

Notably, the Bayesian is now missing its 72-meter (236-foot) mast, which had to be cut off and left on the seabed for future removal. Detaching the mast was necessary to position the hull upright, enabling it to be lifted from the water effectively. A recent interim report from British investigators indicated that the yacht was overwhelmed by “extreme wind” and was unable to recover from the situation. At the time of the sinking, wind speeds exceeded 70 knots (81 mph), causing the vessel to be violently tipped over to a 90-degree angle in less than 15 seconds.

The report further revealed that the crew had selected the location where the yacht sank, anticipating shelter from forecast thunderstorms. This unfortunate decision became critical in the face of unexpected climatic conditions, leading to the catastrophic event that resulted in loss of life and property.

The recovery and investigation of the Bayesian not only seek to provide answers about the tragic incident but also aim to highlight safety protocols in the maritime industry. As authorities continue their investigation, the case emphasizes the importance of thorough assessments of weather conditions and the inherent risks associated with sailing during storms.