British tech magnate Mike Lynch missing after luxury yacht sinks
British tech magnate and 18-year-old daughter missing in Italy yacht disaster
British tech magnate Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter are among six missing tourists after their luxury yacht sank in a tornado off Italy’s coast. The vessel’s Canadian chef is confirmed dead. The missing include four Britons and two Americans, according to Italian reports.
The British-flagged yacht, Bayesian, had 10 crew members and 12 passengers when it sank near Palermo around 5am local time. Salvo Cocina from Sicily’s civil protection agency remarked, “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Among the missing are Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and Chris Morvillo, a Clifford Chance lawyer.
Mike Lynch’s daughter, Hannah Lynch, remains missing, while his wife, Angela Bacares, was rescued alongside 14 others. One mother, Charlotte Golunski, recounted the terrifying ordeal of holding her one-year-old daughter above the waves. She described the scene, saying, “It was all dark. I couldn’t keep my eyes open in the water. I screamed for help but only heard others’ screams.”
Golunski, a partner at Mike Lynch’s firm Invoke Capital, survived along with Sofia’s father, James Emsley. Earlier this year, Lynch, dubbed the British Bill Gates, was acquitted of fraud charges related to the sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. His co-defendant, Stephen Chamberlain, was killed in a car accident on Saturday.
In Porticello, a fishing village, emergency rescue operations are underway. Fire trucks, rescue teams, and a white tent mark the centre of the hub. A coastguard vessel with cave divers is searching the waters where the yacht last stood. Locals described the previous night’s storm as relentless, battering their windows with wind.
As recovery efforts continue, the mission may soon turn from rescue to recovery. The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch has dispatched four inspectors to Palermo for a preliminary assessment. Divers are also on site, with the yacht’s hull resting at a depth of 50 metres.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that they are in contact with local authorities and ready to provide consular support to affected British nationals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is missing after the yacht sank in Italy?
Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, Jonathan Bloomer, Chris Morvillo, and others.
How many people were on board the yacht when it sank?
There were 10 crew members and 12 passengers on board.
Who has been confirmed dead after the yacht sank?
The vessel’s Canadian chef has been confirmed dead.
Were any survivors rescued from the yacht sinking?
Yes, 15 people, including Mike Lynch’s wife, were rescued.
What caused the yacht to sink off the coast of Italy?
The yacht sank after being hit by a tornado.
