Luxury Superyacht Tragedy: Expert Breaks Down Causes of Capsizing and Sinking

A luxury superyacht like the Bayesian, which capsized and sank early Monday, is typically built to withstand extreme weather conditions, an expert said, but "there are always limits" to their capabilities.

The Bayesian, a luxury superyacht, capsized and sank early Monday, with more than a dozen people on board. The vessel was notable for its single 246-foot mast, one of the world's tallest made of aluminum, which was lit up at night just hours before it sank.

The incident has raised questions about the safety of luxury superyachts and the limits of their capabilities in extreme weather conditions.

Luxury Superyacht Tragedy: Expert Breaks Down Causes of Capsizing and Sinking

eSysman, host of the YouTube channel eSysman SuperYachts, told Fox News Digital that a high-caliber yacht like the Bayesian should typically be able to withstand up to "extreme weather conditions," but qualified that "there are always limits."

"Obviously, any voyage plan will take into account the weather. Wind, wave sizes, and frequencies of the waves will be studied and precise prediction of weather has improved over the years, but it’s still not 100%," eSysman said, noting that it is ultimately the captain who is responsible for the vessel.

Luxury Superyacht Tragedy: Expert Breaks Down Causes of Capsizing and Sinking

eSysman explained that if a vessel is caught in high winds, they will start their engines and maneuver into a position where the wind is on the bow, avoiding the beam or the side of the vessel from being against the wind.

"We’re not sure if the yacht was at anchor or was sailing. The eyewitness report seems to suggest the vessel was anchored in the bay, but the AIS data's lost position said she was underway, so we're not sure which is correct," eSysman said.

Luxury Superyacht Tragedy: Expert Breaks Down Causes of Capsizing and Sinking

"AIS" refers to "Automatic Identification System," which is a short-range coastal tracking system used on ships.

eSysman emphasized that search and rescue efforts would continue, despite the slim chances of finding survivors in cold water.

Luxury Superyacht Tragedy: Expert Breaks Down Causes of Capsizing and Sinking

The crew and passengers of the Bayesian hailed from a variety of countries, including Britain, the United States, Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Spain.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was "providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families."

The Bayesian was built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi and can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple, and the master suite, plus crew accommodations, according to Charter World and Yacht Charters.

Luxury superyachts are typically equipped with advanced safety features, but even the best-equipped vessels can be overwhelmed by extreme weather conditions. The capsizing and sinking of the Bayesian highlight the importance of careful planning and decision-making when navigating in potentially hazardous waters.