British tech mogul Mike Lynch missing after superyacht sinks in freak Sicilian storm

British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five others remain missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off the coast of Sicily early Monday, Italian authorities reported. The vessel, named Bayesian, was anchored near Porticello when a waterspout—a type of tornado over water—struck, causing the yacht to sink.

The Bayesian had a total of 22 people on board, including 10 crew members and 12 passengers. While 15 people, including Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, were rescued, six individuals are still unaccounted for. Rescue operations have recovered one body, believed to be the ship's cook, while police divers are attempting to access the yacht's hull, which lies 50 meters (163 feet) underwater.

Perini Navi Press Office/EPA

The sinking occurred amid a sudden and severe storm that battered the area overnight. Another superyacht nearby managed to survive the storm and assisted in the rescue of some survivors. The Bayesian, known for its towering 75-meter (246-foot) mast, was listed for charter at up to €195,000 (approximately $215,000) per week.

Among the survivors was Charlotte Emsley, who recounted a harrowing experience in which she temporarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter in the water but managed to save her until they were both rescued. Her husband, James Emsley, also survived the disaster.

Rescue operations, involving helicopters and coast guard vessels, continued throughout the day as authorities searched for the missing passengers. Fisherman Francesco Cefalu' reported seeing a distress flare around 4:30 a.m. and rushing to the scene, only to find debris from the yacht floating in the water.

The yacht's passengers and crew hailed from various countries, including the UK, the United States, Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Spain. The UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch has sent a team to Italy to assess the situation, and consular support is being provided to the families of the missing.

Source: Reuters

Mike Lynch, once dubbed "Britain's king of technology," was recently acquitted of fraud and conspiracy charges related to Hewlett-Packard's $11 billion acquisition of his company, Autonomy Corp. The 56-meter (184-foot) Bayesian, built in 2008 by Italian firm Perini Navi, was a luxurious vessel known for its sleek design and opulent interiors.

As the search continues, the tragic sinking underscores the unpredictable dangers of the sea and the devastating impact of extreme weather events.