Luxury Yacht Sinks Off Sicily: Six Missing, Including Tech Entrepreneur Mike Lynch
Summary of the Incident
A luxury yacht named Bayesian, owned by British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, sank off the coast of Sicily during a violent storm on August 19, 2024. The incident has left six individuals missing, including Lynch and his daughter, Hannah Lynch. The yacht was reportedly carrying 22 people at the time of the sinking, and one unidentified male body has been recovered.
Details of the Incident
Circumstances of the Sinking
The yacht was struck by a tornado while anchored, which caused its 72-meter aluminum mast to break, leading to a loss of balance and subsequent sinking. Witnesses reported that the yacht's anchor was down when the storm hit, which contributed to the disaster (BBC).
Rescue Efforts
Following the sinking, 15 people were rescued, but the search for the six missing individuals has been challenging due to debris and the depth of the water. Divers have been deployed to search the wreckage, focusing on potential air pockets where survivors might be trapped (NBC News). The search operations have resumed, but hopes are dimming as time passes (Reuters).
Missing Individuals
The missing persons include:
- Mike Lynch (tech entrepreneur)
- Hannah Lynch (daughter)
- Jonathan Bloomer (chairman of Morgan Stanley International)
- Judy Bloomer (wife of Jonathan)
- Christopher J. Morvillo (lawyer)
- Neda Morvillo (wife of Christopher) (CBS News).
Survivors
Among the survivors is Angela Bacares, who reportedly used all her strength to save her one-year-old daughter during the incident (People).
Current Status
As of now, the search continues for the missing individuals, but the situation remains dire. The authorities are working against time, and the families of those missing are holding onto hope for their safe return.