- Mike Lynch, a UK billionaire and tech entrepreneur, is among six people missing after the Bayesian superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily during a violent storm.
- The yacht, anchored near the port of Porticello, was struck by a tornado in the early hours of Monday, leading to its sinking at a depth of approximately 49 meters.
- Jonathan Bloomer, Chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance, are also unaccounted for.
- 15 people were rescued, including Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who owned the yacht. Unfortunately, one man, believed to be the yacht’s chef, was confirmed dead.
- Italian authorities are conducting a search and rescue operation, with an investigation opened by the public prosecutor’s office in Termini Imerese.
Sicily, August 21 (FFN) – Mike Lynch, a UK billionaire and prominent tech entrepreneur, is among six individuals missing after the Bayesian, a 56-meter superyacht, sank off the coast of Sicily during a severe storm early Monday morning. The yacht, which was anchored near the port of Porticello, was struck by a tornado, leading to its sudden sinking.
The disaster has shocked many, given Lynch’s stature as one of the most influential figures in the tech industry, often referred to as “Britain’s Bill Gates.” Lynch was aboard the yacht with his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah Lynch, both of whom remain unaccounted for. Jonathan Bloomer, Chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and Chris Morvillo, a lawyer at Clifford Chance, are also missing.
Italian authorities confirmed that 15 people were rescued from the vessel, including Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who owned the yacht, and a one-year-old girl. Sadly, one man, believed to be the yacht’s chef, was confirmed dead at the scene.
The Bayesian sank to a depth of approximately 49 meters, and rescue teams, including divers, are continuing their efforts to locate the missing individuals. The storm’s unexpected intensity has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols for yachts navigating the Mediterranean during such volatile weather conditions.
Adding to the tragedy, news emerged that Stephen Chamberlain, Lynch’s co-defendant in a high-profile U.S. trial, died over the weekend after being struck by a car while running in England.
An investigation into the sinking has been launched by the public prosecutor’s office in Termini Imerese. The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by luxury vessels during extreme weather events in the Mediterranean region.
Sources: AFP, Bloomberg, Reuters
