Tragic Yacht Disaster off Sicily: Tech Mogul and Daughter Among the Missing

A luxurious yacht, 'Bayesian,' sank off Sicily after being hit by a violent storm, resulting in one death and six people missing, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his daughter. The boat, carrying 22 people, encountered the storm near Porticello. Fifteen individuals managed to escape, but an investigation is still ongoing.

In the early hours of Monday, a luxury yacht named 'Bayesian' sank off the coast of Sicily after being struck by a sudden and violent storm, resulting in one fatality and six missing persons, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his daughter. The 56-meter-long sailboat, flying the British flag, was carrying 22 people when it was hit by severe weather near Porticello, according to the Italian coast guard.

Eyewitness accounts detail how the yacht disappeared beneath the waves just before dawn. Fifteen individuals, including Lynch's wife Angela Bacares and their baby girl, managed to escape. Italian Coast Guard stated that those missing hold British, American, and Canadian nationalities, with reports indicating that the deceased was the yacht's chef.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, as divers inspect the wreck lying at a depth of 49 meters. Meteorologists suggest unusually high sea temperatures due to global warming may have contributed to the extreme weather, amplifying storm conditions. The 'Bayesian,' built by Perini in 2008, was an award-winning yacht, famed for its design and towering 75-meter aluminum mast.

(With inputs from agencies.)