An early-morning tornado has tragically sunk a luxury sailing yacht off the coast of Sicily, prompting a major rescue and recovery operation. Emergency workers in southern Italy are currently searching for six missing individuals following the incident.
Incident Overview
On Monday, a small waterspout, a type of tornado, struck the Mediterranean island of Sicily, leading to the sinking of the British-flagged yacht, Bayesian. The vessel was anchored approximately half a mile from Porticello on Sicily’s northern coast when it capsized due to the severe storm. According to Salvatore Cocina, head of Sicily’s Civil Protection, the yacht sank after its mast broke amid the violent storm.
The Italy Coast Guard reported that 15 people were rescued from the wreckage, with one body recovered from the yacht’s hull. Among those missing are notable figures including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, Jonathan Bloomer, Chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and prominent lawyer Chris Morvillo.
What Happened?
The tornado, characterized by fierce winds and heavy rain, overwhelmed the yacht. Eyewitnesses recounted hurricane-like conditions that scattered debris near the pier. Karsten Bower, captain of a nearby vessel, described the chaos and the effort to rescue survivors. His crew managed to save four injured individuals before the Coast Guard arrived to assist further.
A child who was rescued was airlifted to a children’s hospital in Palermo. The mayor’s office confirmed that a total of eight people were hospitalized following the incident. The survivors, including the child’s mother, Charlotte, faced harrowing conditions, struggling to hold onto their loved ones amid the storm.
Ongoing Search and Recovery Efforts
Italy’s fire brigade has dispatched helicopters and divers to aid in the search for the missing. However, the depth of the wreck—49 meters (160 feet) below sea level—limits the time divers can spend at the site. The divers’ attempts to access the yacht’s hull were initially unsuccessful, but efforts will continue.
The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) will also deploy a team to Palermo for a preliminary assessment of the scene.
Who Was Onboard?
The Bayesian had 22 people aboard, including a mix of British, Anglo-French, Irish, and Sri Lankan nationals. The yacht, built by Perini Navi in 2008, was notable for its 72.27-meter (237-foot) mast, making it one of the tallest in the world.
Among those missing are Mike Lynch, the 59-year-old British tech investor, his 18-year-old daughter, Jonathan Bloomer, and Chris Morvillo. Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, survived the accident and described the moment the yacht began to tilt and the subsequent chaos.
Boat Details and Weather Conditions
The Bayesian was a 56-meter (184-foot) yacht, chartered at $215,000 (€195,000) per week. The vessel’s name relates to statistical theory, reflecting Lynch’s background. The yacht’s mast, once the tallest aluminium mast in the world, might have contributed to its instability in the severe weather conditions.
Weather conditions were particularly dangerous, with the Mediterranean Sea experiencing unusually high temperatures, reaching nearly 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). These warm waters can fuel severe weather events like waterspouts, which are often accompanied by high winds and hazardous conditions.
Conclusion
The sinking of the Bayesian has led to a major rescue effort and highlights the dangers posed by severe weather conditions. As search operations continue, the focus remains on locating the missing individuals and understanding the factors that contributed to this tragic event.
