Keystone Law’s Aviation & Travel partners James Healy-Pratt and Owen Hanna have been instructed by the bereaved family of Recaldo Thomas, who tragically lost his life together with six others on M/S Bayesian on 19 August 2024 in southern Italy. Recaldo was a member of the crew, working as the cook on the yacht which was owned by Mike Lynch’s surviving widow, Angela Bacares, a US/UK national.

The team are in contact with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, the Senior Coroner for Suffolk, the Italian Prosecutor in Palermo, and Camper & Nicholsons who manage the Bayesian yacht. Their independent investigation will focus on a chain of causes that resulted in the deaths of six passengers and one crew member. It is understood that the American Bureau of Shipping (Texas, USA) conducted the last safety survey of Bayesian on 17 March 2023.

The Thomas family who are US- and Antigua-based have jointly instructed Keystone’s Aviation & Travel team as well as the Wisner Law Firm in Chicago to represent their interests.

James Healy-Pratt commented:

“The Thomas family have only recently just managed to have Recaldo repatriated and buried. They are grieving his untimely death that occurred whilst working on the Bayesian yacht, described as ‘virtually unsinkable’. Recaldo was well liked by all, his culinary expertise was legendary, and he was happy to share that love and skill with wealthy and appreciative customers.

“At this time we believe that Recaldo’s death was preventable. The family simply want justice for Recaldo – which means getting to the truth of what happened and holding those responsible to account, so that future similar deaths can be prevented.”

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