The BBC airs a one-hour documentary tonight titled Millionaire Superyacht: Why Ships Sink, investigating the mysterious sinking of the 54-metre superyacht Bayesian off the coast of Sicily on August 19, 2024, which killed seven people.
What Happened to the Bayesian?
During intense storms, the Bayesian sank while other vessels in the area remained afloat. The documentary explores why a multimillion-pound superyacht capsized when others did not, and what safety measures are needed to prevent similar tragedies. It also examines the capsizing of the Red Sea dive boat Sea Story in the same year.
Interviews and Expert Analysis
The documentary features interviews with Bayesian’s former captain Stephen Edwards and Dr Sarah Martin, a survivor of the Sea Story. According to the BBC synopsis, the programme investigates “what went wrong and what needs to be done to keep ships safe at sea.”
Part of the ‘Why…?’ Franchise
This documentary is part of a BBC anthology series that delves into the “mysteries and science behind the stories that hit the headlines.” Previous editions covered South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster and three fatal shark attacks in Egypt in 2010.
When to Watch
Millionaire Superyacht: Why Ships Sink airs Monday, June 22, at 8pm on BBC Two. The series will not return next Monday due to Wimbledon coverage.
