Four passengers aboard the luxury yacht Bayesian, which sank off the coast of Sicily during a storm on August 19, tragically lost their lives after running out of oxygen while trapped in an air pocket in one of the cabins, according to autopsies released by the Forensic Medicine Institute of the Palermo Polyclinic hospital.

The autopsies conducted on Chris Morvillo, Neda Morvillo, Jonathan Bloomer, and Anne Bloomer concluded that their cause of death was labeled as "atypical drowning," suggesting that they did not directly perish due to water intake, but rather due to a lack of oxygen. The findings indicate that the victims were unable to access sufficient oxygen while confined in the submerged ship.

However, the autopsy for chef Recaldo Thomas, whose body was discovered separate from the vessel, has been delayed as Italian authorities are facing difficulties in contacting his family in Antigua.

In the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident, Italian prosecutors are focusing on three individuals: the ship's engineer, Tim Parker Eaton, the night watch Matthew Griffith, and the captain, James Cutfield. These individuals are being investigated for possible charges of manslaughter. CNN reports that all three have left Italy while the investigation is underway.

The search and recovery operation for the yacht Bayesian is ongoing, and the Italian coastguard is continuing its efforts to find the sunken vessel and any remaining passengers or crew members.

The sinking of the 184-foot luxury yacht initially occurred amid treacherous weather conditions, causing the yacht to go under the water. As the investigation continues, authorities will seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding the air pocket and why the four passengers were unable to access enough oxygen to survive.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise at sea and highlights the importance of rigorous safety measures and emergency preparedness for those embarking on maritime journeys. As investigators continue to delve into this distressing event, the focus remains on providing answers for the grieving families and preventing similar occurrences in the future.