Next steps are being taken following the yacht sinking in Sicily.
The captain of the Bayesian superyacht James Cutfield is under investigation after seven of the 22 people aboard—including six passengers and the ship’s chef—died after a waterspout struck and sunk the ship, as confirmed by prosecutors during a press conference Aug. 24.
The New Zealander’s lawyer Giovanni Rizzuti confirmed to NBC News that a multiple manslaughter investigation has been launched into his client, alongside an investigation for causing a shipwreck. Rizzuti also confirmed Cutfield will be questioned again by prosecutors in Sicily on Aug. 27.
E! News has reached out to Rizzuti for comment but has not yet heard back.
However, that does not mean he will face charges. As NBC News noted, being placed under investigation in Italy does not imply guilt and does not guarantee formal charges will follow. Instead, notices need to be sent to people under investigation before authorities can carry out autopsies.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any of the other crew members will be put under investigation alongside Cutfield.
