The tragic sinking of a luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily has left one man dead and six people missing, sparking a frantic rescue operation by the Italian coast guard. The 56-meter-long sailboat, named Bayesian, was struck by a violent storm and quickly sank with 22 people on board, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch. Among the missing individuals were British, American, and Canadian nationals, with 15 people being rescued, including a one-year-old child.
The sudden and unexpected storm caught many by surprise, with the coast guard reporting that the wind was exceptionally strong. The inclement weather, which has been affecting Italy in recent days, has caused widespread damage across the country, including floods and landslides in the north. Despite the challenging conditions, eight of the rescued individuals were transferred to local hospitals and were reported to be in stable condition.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing experience of the storm, with the captain of a nearby boat describing how they narrowly avoided a collision with the sinking yacht. The crew managed to keep their vessel under control during the storm, only realizing the severity of the situation once the storm had passed and the Bayesian had disappeared beneath the waves.
The tragic incident has prompted an investigation by prosecutors in the nearby town of Termini Imerese to determine the cause of the yacht’s sinking. Divers have been deployed to inspect the wreck, which lies at a depth of 49 meters. The Bayesian, built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008 and managed by yachting company Camper & Nicholsons, had won numerous awards for its design and luxurious accommodations.
The yacht, which can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites and a crew of 10, was last refitted in 2020 and had a reputation for its exceptional design and performance. Formerly known as Salute, the Bayesian boasted a 75-meter mast, the tallest aluminum mast in the world, according to Perini’s website. The vessel had departed from the port of Milazzo on August 14 and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening before the tragic incident occurred.
The news of the sinking has sent shockwaves through the international community, with the U.K. foreign ministry confirming that British officials are in contact with local authorities and are prepared to offer consular support to affected Britons. The loss of life and the disappearance of several individuals on board the luxury yacht serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the sea, even for experienced sailors and well-equipped vessels.