Tragedy, Tornado

Superyacht disaster off Sicily: British Tech Tycoon Mike Lynch among missing

As waves crash and hope fades, the world watches a desperate search unfold off Sicily's shores – proving that even for the most powerful, nature's fury knows no bounds.

Aerial view of luxury large yacht anchored in turquoise bay (Photo: Shutterstock / xbrchx)

In the early hours of Monday, a luxury superyacht owned by British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch capsized and sank off the coast of Sicily, leaving at least one person dead and six missing. The vessel, caught in a sudden tornado near Palermo, was carrying 22 people, predominantly British nationals, as reported by Sky News.

Italian Coast Guard officials reported that 15 individuals, including Lynch's wife Angela Bacares and a one-year-old girl, have been rescued. The yacht, last tracked east of Palermo with a navigation status of "at anchor," sank around 4:30 AM local time.

Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene as the storm hit. "It all happened in really little time," said Karsten Borner, captain of a nearby boat that assisted in the rescue. CCTV footage from a local restaurant captured the intensity of the weather event that led to the disaster.

As the search continues, deep-sea divers are exploring the wreckage, now resting about 50 meters below the surface. The Italian authorities have deployed boats, helicopters, and specialist cave divers from across the country to aid in the ongoing rescue efforts.

Lynch, often referred to as the "British Bill Gates," made headlines recently after being acquitted in a high-profile U.S. fraud case related to the sale of his company, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is in contact with Italian authorities, stating, "We stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected." Meanwhile, survivors are reported to be "deeply disturbed" by the experience, according to local officials.

The yacht's decision to anchor near the port was deemed reasonable by experts given the available weather forecasts.

As rescue operations continue, authorities are urging heightened caution for all maritime traffic in the area.

Great Britain Mike Lynch Technology Tragedy Death Missing Tornado Sicily

Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.
The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.


US National Guard to deploy to calm fears

Nation on edge: Election Day tensions mount, fear of violence
Avi Nachmani | 06:58

Only hours to go - Trump's inspiring message

"A new golden age for America": Trump’s final plea to voters
1
| Avi Nachmani | 06:43

Perfect occasion to attack Iran

Iran hostage crisis anniversary brings renewed calls for "death to America"
Avi Nachmani | 04.11.24

On the same day as US Elections

Russia will launch 2 Iranian satellites into space tomorrow
Gila Isaacson | 04.11.24

The genius behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'

Music giant Quincy Jones dies at 91
1
| Gila Isaacson | 04.11.24

Devastating tragedy in Iran

Iran executes Arvin Ghahremani in controversial self-defense case
1
| Gila Isaacson | 04.11.24

What is subway surfing (and why you should care)

How subway surfing is killing kids in America - Here's what you need to know
Gila Isaacson | 03.11.24