Captain of Boat Involved in Manslaughter Investigation
Following the yacht sinking in Sicily, next steps are being taken.
The captain of the Bayesian superyacht James Cutfield is currently under investigation. Seven out of the 22 people on board, including six passengers and the ship’s chef, lost their lives after a waterspout hit and sank the ship. This was confirmed by prosecutors during a press conference on Aug. 24.
The lawyer for the New Zealander, Giovanni Rizzuti, confirmed to NBC News that his client is under investigation for multiple manslaughter and causing a shipwreck. Cutfield is scheduled to be questioned by prosecutors in Sicily on Aug. 27.
E! News has reached out to Rizzuti for a comment but has not received a response yet.
While Cutfield is under investigation, it does not automatically mean that he will be charged. Being under investigation in Italy does not imply guilt and does not guarantee formal charges. Autopsies need to be carried out after notices are sent to individuals under investigation.
It is still unclear if any other crew members will also be investigated alongside Cutfield.