Police divers resumed their search on Tuesday for six individuals thought to be trapped inside the hull of a luxury superyacht that sank in deep waters off the coast of Sicily.
Among the missing are several millionaires, including British technology magnate Mike Lynch, who was celebrating his recent acquittal on fraud charges with his legal team.
📉🛥👁🇮🇹 British tech mogul Mike Lynch among those missing after deadly tornado sinks his yacht in Sicily, Italy
A luxury superyacht carrying foreign tourists capsized and sank off the coast of Sicily after the activity… pic.twitter.com/jlRTQLFiux
— Alicia And Ethor⚒️ (@Alicia45531971) August 20, 2024
The fortune of British businessman Mike Lynch is estimated to be around 450 million dollars, as reported by his lawyer. Lynch amassed a significant portion of his wealth as the co-founder of Autonomy, a technology firm acquired by Hewlett-Packard (HP) for 11 billion dollars in 2011. This sale ultimately led to the lawsuit for which he was celebrating his acquittal on his superyacht.
The luxury vessel now rests approximately 50 meters (164 feet) underwater off Porticello near Palermo, Italy, at a depth that exceeds the certification limits of most recreational divers and necessitates special precautions. Recovery teams have been limited to 12-minute shifts, which has hindered their efforts to access the narrow interior of the wreck.
Divers worked in pairs and employed a remote-controlled underwater vehicle to assist in the search. Access to the cabins below deck was obstructed by furniture that had been displaced during a fierce storm that struck the ship on Monday.
The businessman is one of the individuals still unaccounted for. | Photo: AFP
The 56-meter-long luxury yacht, named Bayesian, registered to Revtom Limited (in the name of the tycoon’s wife) and flying a British flag, was anchored almost a kilometer off the coast when a storm hit around 4 AM on Monday. Civil protection officials believe the vessel was struck by a waterspout (a tornado over water) that resulted in its rapid sinking.
A grainy recording from ground-based CCTV cameras, published on the website of the Sicilian Newspaper, captured the Bayesian’s impressive 75-meter illuminated mast enduring the storm before vanishing within a minute.
🚨🛥️ Tragedy in Sicily: the superyacht Bayesian sank after a downpour, leaving 15 survivors and 6 missing, including tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter 😢💔 pic.twitter.com/gTPGLUa17B
— adn40 (@adn40) August 21, 2024
Fifteen of the 22 individuals on board survived, including a woman who saved her 1-year-old daughter by holding her up in the water. One body was recovered, identified by officials as the ship’s chef. All 10 crew members survived, including the captain, whom prosecutors intended to interrogate.
The survivors were rescued by a nearby sailing vessel after transferring to a lifeboat.
The missing
Authorities continue to search for these individuals. | Photo: AP
Mike Lynch, once hailed as the king of British technology, was acquitted in June of fraud and conspiracy charges in a federal trial in the U.S. related to Hewlett Packard’s $11 billion acquisition of his company, Autonomy Corp.
His wife, Angela Bacares, survived the incident. Their 18-year-old daughter, Hannah Lynch, who is heir to the $450 million fortune, is also among the missing.
Moreover, the whereabouts of Christopher Morvillo, one of Lynch’s lawyers, and his wife, Neda, are still unknown.
Another prominent individual involved in the tragedy is Jonathan Bloomer, president of Morgan Stanley International, as well as the former head of Autonomy’s audit committee who testified in Lynch’s defense, accompanied by his wife.
Karsten Borner, captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, which rescued the survivors, mentioned that he was close enough to observe the Bayesian as the storm approached. “A moment later it was gone,” he remarked.
Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the rescue teams, indicated that the search was progressing significantly slower than another major Italian shipwreck, that of the Costa Concordia cruise ship in 2012, due to the wreck’s depth and the limited space for divers to maneuver.
The billionaires were celebrating on the yacht. | Photo: AP
The outing was intended, at least in part, to celebrate Lynch’s acquittal and offer a “glimpse of what was to come,” according to Reid Weingarten, a Washington lawyer and member of Lynch’s defense team who was not present on the yacht. “Many people attended, many others planned to, and then, of course, this happened,” he added.
Aki Hussain, CEO of global insurer Hiscox Group, where Bloomer serves as chairman, expressed that the company was “deeply shocked and saddened by this tragedy.”
“Our thoughts are with all those affected, particularly our President and his wife, who are among the missing, as well as their families during this distressing situation,” he continued.
As for the survivors, the Emslie family was discharged from Palermo Children’s Hospital on Tuesday. Charlotte Golunski reported that she briefly submerged her 1-year-old daughter, Sofia, in the water but was able to retrieve her and keep her afloat until they were rescued, according to doctors. The father, identified by ANSA news agency as James Emslie, also survived.
“They are mostly silent, especially because they see themselves as survivors and struggle to understand why they survived given the circumstances,” said Dr. Domenico Cipolla, director of the emergency room at Di Cristina Children’s Hospital.
The Bayesian was notable for its 75-meter mast, one of the tallest in the world made of aluminum. Its website advertised it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (approximately 215,000 dollars) per week.
The coast guard reported that there were no indications of fuel leaks from the wreck thus far.
Tragic Superyacht Sinking Off Sicily: Search for Missing Persons Continues
Police divers resumed their search on Tuesday for six individuals believed to be trapped in the hull of a luxury superyacht that sank in deep waters off Sicily. Among the missing are notable figures, including British technology tycoon Mike Lynch, who was on the yacht celebrating his recent acquittal on fraud charges.
About the Incident
The luxury vessel, named Bayesian, is currently resting approximately 50 meters (164 feet) underwater near Porticello, off the coast of Palermo, Italy. The yacht, owned by Revtom Limited (under the name of Lynch’s wife), sank following a sudden storm around 4 AM on Monday. Civil protection officials suspect that a waterspout—a tornado over water—struck the yacht, causing it to capsize rapidly.
Profile of Mike Lynch
Mike Lynch, known for being the co-founder of Autonomy, amassed a fortune estimated at around $450 million. His technology company was acquired by Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011 for an astounding $11 billion, leading to fraud accusations and a lengthy legal battle. Lynch was acquitted of these charges just months prior to the tragedy.
The Rescue and Recovery Efforts
The search for the six missing individuals, including Lynch’s daughter, Hannah, and his legal counsel, Christopher Morvillo, is challenging due to the wreck’s depth and conditions. Recovery teams are only permitted to operate in 12-minute shifts, making it a labor-intensive process. Divers are working in pairs and utilizing remote-controlled underwater vehicles to aid in the search, but access to cabins below deck has been impeded by furniture displaced during the storm.
Survivors of the Tragedy
Fifteen passengers out of twenty-two aboard the yacht survived, including a woman who bravely kept her 1-year-old daughter afloat in the tumultuous waters. Tragically, one body, identified as the ship’s chef, has been recovered. The rest of the crew managed to escape, including the captain, who is now being questioned by authorities regarding the incident.
Details of the Yacht
The Bayesian measured 56 meters in length and was recognized for its striking 75-meter mast—one of the tallest in the world. Available for rent at an exorbitant cost of up to €195,000 (approximately $215,000) per week, it was noted for its luxurious amenities and opulent design.
Eyewitness Accounts
Kasten Borner, the captain of the rescue boat, noted the rapid disappearance of the yacht in the midst of the storm. “A moment later it was gone,” he recounted. Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the rescue teams, emphasized that recovery operations were progressing more slowly than previous shipwrecks due to the complicated wreckage conditions.
Profiles of the Missing
| Name | Relation/Position | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Lynch | Co-founder of Autonomy Technology | Celebrating acquittal; missing |
| Hannah Lynch | Daughter | Missing |
| Christopher Morvillo | Attorney | Missing |
| Neda Morvillo | Wife of Christopher Morvillo | Missing |
| Jonathan Bloomer | President of Morgan Stanley International | Missing |
| Angela Bacares | Wife of Mike Lynch | Survivor |
The Aftermath and Response
The incident has sent shockwaves through the business and tech community. Aki Hussain, CEO of Hiscox Group, expressed profound sorrow regarding the tragedy. The search efforts continue as families wait anxiously for news of their loved ones, facing a harrowing uncertainty amidst this disaster.
Eyewitness and Family Updates
Families have begun to receive updates about their loved ones, with reports detailing the harrowing experiences of survivors. The Emslie family, for instance, described their moments of struggle and survival in their attempt to stay afloat. Charlotte Golunski courageously held her daughter above the waves until rescuers arrived, demonstrating an incredible bond and fortitude in the face of disaster.
Final Thoughts on Recovery Efforts
The coastal authorities have not reported any signs of fuel leaks from the wreck as recovery teams carefully and methodically continue their efforts to locate the remaining missing individuals. The hope remains that further advancements in the search will yield positive news amidst this tragedy.
What’s Next for Recovery Teams?
Rescue operations are poised to continue amidst calm weather and improving visibility conditions. Authorities are focusing their efforts on assessing the site and determining the best methods to reach and recover those trapped inside the sunken vessel.
