A body recovered near a luxury yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily is believed to belong to chef Recaldo Thomas.
The Canadian-Antiguan national was among 22 individuals on board the Bayesian when it capsized during a violent storm on Monday.
According to friends, Thomas was well-loved and known for his kind demeanor, memorable voice, and infectious smile.
Divers are currently facing challenges reaching the submerged vessel’s cabins, as they search for six missing passengers, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer.
The Bayesian sank approximately 700 meters from Porticello, east of Palermo, in the early hours of Monday. Of the 22 people aboard, 15 survived, and so far, only Thomas’s body has been found.
Gareth Williams, a longtime friend of Thomas, revealed that they shared childhood memories in Antigua, where Thomas lived during off-seasons from yachting.
“He recently mentioned needing to work two more seasons to repair his late parents’ house; though passionate about his work, he felt drained,” Williams shared.
Another friend stated that Thomas served as a role model for young people in their community, showcasing how an Antiguan could achieve success worldwide.
The Italian coastguard announced ongoing search efforts on Tuesday, highlighting divers’ struggles to safely access the wreckage. They are faced with navigating steep angles and various obstructions within the sunken craft.
Diving team member Marco Tilotta affirmed their commitment to finding all missing individuals, indicating they have sufficient resources for the task.
While divers can only spend about 12 minutes underwater, they are equipped with multiple boats, helicopters, and advanced underwater technology to assist in the recovery efforts.
The 56-meter long sailing vessel was carrying 10 crew members and 12 passengers when it capsized. Among the missing are Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah, along with Jonathan Bloomer and several others.
What led to the Bayesian’s capsizing remains under investigation, but witnesses reported observing a waterspout forming amid the storm preceding the incident. These phenomena are characterized as rotating columns of wind that develop over water, resembling tornadoes.
