Tragic Sinking of Luxury Yacht 'Bayesian' Off Sicily Claims Lives and Leaves Tech Tycoon Missing
The recent sinking of the luxury yacht Bayesian off the coast of Sicily has unfolded as a tragic and dramatic event, marking one of the most severe maritime disasters in recent times. The 56-meter British-flagged vessel, which had 22 people on board including 12 passengers and 10 crew members, encountered a catastrophic storm early Monday morning near Porticello, a small village east of Palermo. The sudden and violent storm, described by the Italian coastguard as "extreme," was accompanied by waterspouts—rotating columns of air and mist—that exacerbated the perilous conditions at sea.
Witnesses report that the Bayesian was anchored when the storm struck, and the intense weather caused the yacht’s 72-meter aluminum mast to snap in two, compromising the vessel’s stability. The yacht, which had been securely anchored, lost its balance and sank rapidly around 05:00 local time. In the aftermath, divers and rescue teams have been engaged in a relentless search operation for the missing, which includes high-profile figures such as British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch.
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The storm's impact was visually devastating. One nearby boat captain recounted that after the storm, his crew found a drifting life raft with some survivors and a red flare signaling distress. Another fisherman described seeing the yacht "sink with my own eyes" after being hit by a tornado-like waterspout. The scene was further described by Charlotte Golunski, one of the survivors, who recounted the harrowing experience of clinging to her one-year-old daughter amidst the chaos of the waves and storm.
Among the confirmed deceased is the ship's cook, Ricardo Thomas. The search continues for six others, including Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, and prominent individuals such as Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo. The tragedy has profoundly impacted those connected to the victims, with Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, among the 15 who were rescued. The operation has mobilized multiple resources including patrol boats, helicopters, and a specialist diving team from Rome.
The Bayesian, owned by Revtom Ltd and named after Bayesian theory—a reference to Lynch’s own PhD research and software business—was reportedly on a celebratory voyage following Lynch’s recent legal victory. Lynch had been cleared of fraud charges related to an $11 billion sale of his company, Autonomy, to Hewlett Packard. The vessel was rented out for high-profile events, and this incident underscores the profound risks associated with extreme weather conditions at sea.
The search and rescue efforts remain ongoing as the Italian authorities, along with international partners, strive to locate the missing individuals. The incident highlights the severe impact of sudden and violent weather events, especially on maritime vessels, and serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of such disasters.
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