British tech giant Mike Lynch, his lawyer, and four others are missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early Monday, according to Italy’s civil protection and authorities. Lynch’s wife and 14 other people survived.
Lynch, who was acquitted in a big U.S. fraud trial in June, is among the six people who remain unaccounted for after their chartered sailboat sank off Porticello due to a waterspout that struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency.
Authorities have recovered one body, and police divers are attempting to reach the sunken ship, resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello near Palermo.
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The yacht had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, and a sudden fierce storm in the area caused it to sink. Another nearby superyacht was less damaged and managed to rescue some of the survivors.
Survivor Charlotte recounted how she momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter in the water but was able to keep her above the waves until they were rescued along with others.
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Rescue efforts are ongoing, with police divers attempting to access the sunken vessel’s hull. The operations involve helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue, and civil protection service.
Fisherman Francesco Cefalu’ reported seeing a flare from shore and heading to the site, only to find debris from the sunken yacht. He suspects a waterspout may have caused the tragic incident.
Unfortunately, seven individuals, including one crew member and six passengers, were not rescued. The yacht, known for its design and luxurious accommodations, had a tragic end off the coast of Sicily.
