The family of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch is grappling with overwhelming grief following the tragic sinking of their yacht off the coast of Sicily on Monday. Their 18-year-old daughter, Hannah Lynch, is among the victims, with her body being the last recovered from the wreckage.
In a heartfelt statement, the family expressed their “unspeakable grief” and extended gratitude to the Italian coastguard and emergency services for their rescue efforts. They emphasized that their thoughts are with all affected by this tragic event.
Italian authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the conditions leading to the yacht’s sinking, which resulted in the loss of six lives, including well-known figures from various sectors.
Family and friends are honoring the legacy of Mike Lynch, a pioneer in artificial intelligence, and his daughter Hannah, who was set to begin her studies in English at the prestigious University of Oxford. A close friend described Mike Lynch as an extraordinary intellect and compassionate individual whose enthusiasm for life inspired everyone he met.
Hannah’s classmate praised her as “sincere, dedicated, fiercely intelligent, and genuinely kind,” reminiscing about her warm smile and recent accomplishments. A spokesperson for her school shared their shock and condolences, highlighting the profound impact of this tragedy on the community.
The sinking also claimed the lives of notable individuals, including Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and his wife Judy, alongside Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, along with the boat’s chef. Among the 15 survivors were a one-year-old child and Hannah’s mother.
The yacht gathering occurred shortly after a lengthy legal battle regarding the sale of Mike Lynch’s company, Autonomy, from which he had recently been acquitted of multiple fraud charges.
The investigation into this tragic incident remains complex as officials explore various possibilities and potential charges. The yacht’s captain and surviving crew have been interviewed as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Rescue operations have been described as challenging, with divers limited to brief underwater shifts at depths of approximately 50 meters. The complexities of the operation were acknowledged by Italian officials, who confirmed that the shipwreck was “practically intact.” A decision regarding the potential raising of the sunken yacht will be evaluated in the coming days.
Prosecutors are scheduled to provide further details at a press conference on Saturday morning.
