A dramatic rescue operation is currently underway off the coast of Sicily following the sinking of the British-flagged superyacht Bayesian during severe weather early Monday morning.
Tragically, one of the crew members, the yacht’s cook, has been confirmed dead, with authorities recovering his body.
Rescue teams have successfully saved approximately 15 individuals from the vessel, while six people remain unaccounted for.
Specialist divers from the Italian fire brigade initiated their search operations again early Tuesday morning as hopes to locate the missing continue.
Who Is Missing?
Five of the six missing individuals have been identified. Among those unaccounted for are four British nationals and two Americans.
Reports indicate that the yacht primarily hosted British passengers, but also included individuals from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and those with British-French nationality.
It has come to light that several aboard the yacht were connected to the recent judicial trial of British businessman Mike Lynch, who was acquitted of fraud in the United States.
Reports suggest that the yacht journey was intended as a celebration of Mr. Lynch’s legal victory.
Mike Lynch, UK Tech Entrepreneur
Mike Lynch, often referred to as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” is a prominent tech entrepreneur. He was born in Ireland and raised in Essex before pursuing studies at the University of Cambridge.
He co-founded the software company Autonomy in 1996, achieving considerable wealth after selling it to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011.
Following the acquisition, Mr. Lynch engaged in a prolonged legal struggle that culminated in his acquittal on multiple fraud charges this past June.
In a recent interview, he articulated concerns over the legal system, stating that financial resources should not dictate one’s ability to seek justice.
Hannah Lynch, Student
Among the missing is Hannah Lynch, the 18-year-old daughter of Mr. Lynch. Newly graduated from her A-levels, she was set to attend Oxford University to study English.
Chris Morvillo, Lawyer
Chris Morvillo, a known lawyer who represented Mr. Lynch during his trial, is also among the missing. He has been a partner at a New York law firm since 2011.
Before his current role, he served as an assistant attorney for the southern district of New York and played a vital role in investigations following the 2001 World Trade Center attacks.
Jonathan Bloomer, Morgan Stanley International Chair
Jonathan Bloomer, the chairman of the Morgan Stanley International and Hiscox, is also listed among the missing. He has held several prominent positions in various companies and is known to have close ties with Mr. Lynch.
Aki Hussain, group chief executive of Hiscox, expressed profound sadness over the situation, extending thoughts to Jonathan Bloomer and his family during this difficult time.
Judy Bloomer, Charity Trustee
Judy Bloomer, wife to Jonathan Bloomer, is also among those missing. She has been recognized for her advocacy work in women’s health and has served as a trustee for a leading gynaecological cancer research charity for over 20 years.
The charity’s leadership voiced their grief and concern for Judy and Jonathan Bloomer, stressing the importance of hoping for their safe return.
Who Has Been Rescued?
Of the 15 people rescued, nine were crew members, leaving only the deceased chef unaccounted for from the staff.
Eight rescued individuals have been transported to local hospitals for treatment.
A British woman, Charlotte Golunski, was aboard the yacht with her partner and infant daughter, all of whom were successfully rescued. Charlotte recounted a harrowing experience of keeping her child afloat while escaping the sinking vessel.
Additionally, Ayla Ronald, a lawyer who was part of Mr. Lynch’s legal team, was also rescued. Reports indicate she attended the sailing trip following the success of Mr. Lynch’s trial.
Angela Bacares, Mr. Lynch’s wife and Hannah Lynch’s mother, has also been confirmed as rescued but was reported in need of medical attention after sustaining injuries during the incident.
