Tornado Sinks Luxury Yacht Off Sicily, Search Continues for Missing Passengers

A luxury yacht named “Bayesian” sank off the coast of Sicily early Monday morning after being struck by a tornado, prompting a large-scale air and naval rescue operation. Emergency workers are still searching for six individuals who are missing following the incident.

The British-flagged vessel was anchored near Porticello when it capsized due to a severe waterspout accompanied by intense thunderstorms. The storm caused the yacht’s mast to break, leading to its sinking. Eyewitnesses reported powerful winds and a trail of debris scattered near the pier.

Among those missing are British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, and prominent lawyer Chris Morvillo. Lynch’s wife survived the accident, but his 18-year-old daughter is among the missing.

Rescue operations have recovered fifteen people from the wreckage, with one confirmed dead. The survivors include a child who was airlifted to a hospital in Palermo. Rescue efforts are hampered by the depth of the wreckage, with divers working in challenging conditions 49 meters below sea level.

The “Bayesian,” built in 2008, was a 56-meter yacht known for its towering 72.27-meter mast. It was available for charter at a premium rate. The yacht’s name reflects the statistical theory associated with Lynch’s business success.

The incident occurred amidst unusually warm sea temperatures around Sicily, which have fueled severe weather conditions. Waterspouts, which are tornadoes forming over water, have been increasingly active due to these elevated temperatures.