Search Underway for Missing Individuals After Luxury Yacht Sinks Near Sicily

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter are among six people reported missing following the sinking of a luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning.

The yacht, named Bayesian, measured 56 meters (183 feet) and was carrying a total of 22 individuals, including nationals from Britain, the United States, and Canada. As of now, 15 people have been rescued, including a one-year-old British girl. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities continuing their search through the night.

Local reports indicate that the Bayesian capsized around 05:00 local time after being struck by a severe storm. This storm generated waterspouts, which are rotating columns of air similar to tornadoes, over the sea. The yacht, which was anchored at the time of the storm, experienced a break in its mast, leading to its loss of balance and eventual sinking near Porticello, a village close to Palermo, the capital of Sicily.

Mike Lynch, often referred to as the “British Bill Gates,” is well-known for co-founding the software company Autonomy. Autonomy was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion (£8.6 billion). According to witnesses, the storm caused significant damage to the yacht, contributing to its tragic sinking.

Search and rescue operations have been intensified. Divers have located the wreckage approximately 50 meters below the surface. Sicily’s civil protection agency, led by Director General Salvatore Cocina, has confirmed that Lynch, his daughter Hannah Lynch, and the yacht’s chef are among those missing. Cocina stated that the search, which includes caving and rescue diving teams, will continue throughout the night.

In the midst of the search, the body of an unidentified man was discovered outside the wreckage. Authorities are still working to determine his nationality and identity.

The situation remains dire as rescuers face challenging conditions while attempting to locate and recover the missing individuals.