Bayesian yacht sinking: What factors might have caused boat to sink

Matthew Schanck, chair of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, explained it is difficult to say whether the mast broke.

“I think, and this is pure guess work, but the evidence that we are getting from the divers is the vessel is basically intact, lying on its side reportedly,” he told the BBC.

“If the mast was broken, that would be a significant thing that would be reported.”

Mr Schanck added he believed what happened to Bayesian was “a freak event”.

“Vessels aren’t designed to be out sailing in that weather – 65 to 85mph that’s the top of what a vessel would be out in and that’s with its sails down,” he said.

“They aren’t designed to sail through tornadoes or water spouts.”