The superyacht of tech tycoon Mike Lynch, which sank off the coast of Sicily last year, will be raised from the seabed within two weeks, salvage teams have said, Report informs via The Independent.
Billionaire entrepreneur Mr Lynch, 59, and his daughter Hannah, 18, were among seven people who died when the 56-metre (184ft) Bayesian sank off the coast of the Italian island on August 19.
It was previously confirmed that recovery work would begin this month after Italian authorities approved a detailed salvage plan.
British marine consultancy TMC Marine will oversee a specialist consortium, led by Dutch-based companies Hebo, a maritime services company from Rotterdam, and SMIT Salvage, with support from Italian specialists.
About 70 specialist personnel have been mobilised to Sicily from across Europe to work on the recovery operation.
In an update on Thursday, the team said on-site preparations were advancing on schedule and that “significant progress” had been made over the past five days.
A detailed analysis of the Bayesian and the surrounding seabed has since confirmed there has been no change to the superyacht’s condition since the previous inspection, meaning plans to raise the vessel can now go ahead.
Work to move the Bayesian into an upright position and lift it to the surface will begin in about 10 to 12 days, subject to suitable weather and sea conditions.
Sea water will then be pumped out of the vessel before it is transferred to port.
Before the Bayesian is raised it will be held in position by steel slings, as salvage workers detach the vessel’s extensive rigging and 72m (236ft) mast, thought to be one of the tallest in the world.
