Recovery Efforts Continue After Luxury Yacht Sinks Off Sicily; Missing Include Notable Figures

A body recovered near the luxury yacht Bayesian, which sank off the coast of Sicily, is believed to be that of chef Recaldo Thomas. The Canadian-Antiguan national was among 22 people on board when the vessel capsized during a severe storm early Monday morning. Thomas was described by his friend Gareth Williams as a beloved individual with a warm personality and a memorable voice.

The Bayesian sank approximately 700 meters from Porticello, east of Palermo, and now lies at a depth of 50 meters on the seabed. Efforts to recover the remaining missing passengers, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, have been challenging. Divers are facing difficulties accessing the wreck due to its tilted position and obstructed cabins.

The Italian coastguard is leading the search with multiple resources, including patrol boats, helicopters, and a remotely operated underwater vehicle. Divers have reported that the search is hampered by the wreck’s position and debris inside. As of now, 15 people have been rescued, with one confirmed dead and several still missing.

The sinking is suspected to have been caused by a waterspout or tornado over the water, which may have also led to structural damage and water ingress. The boat, which was 56 meters long and flying a British flag, had 10 crew members and 12 passengers aboard.

Among the missing are Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, and American jewelry designer Neda Morvillo and her husband Chris. Lynch, recently acquitted of fraud charges related to his company Autonomy’s sale to Hewlett-Packard, was reportedly on the yacht to celebrate with legal representatives and associates.

Efforts to locate the missing individuals continue, with specialized divers and additional teams mobilized to assist in the rescue operations.