Search Continues for Missing Passengers from Capsized Sailing Boat Off Italy's Coast
Rescue efforts are ongoing for six individuals missing after the tragic sinking of the Bayesian, a 56-meter-long sailing boat. The vessel, which had 22 people on board, went down near Porticello, a district of Santa Flavia on the eastern coast of Palermo, early Monday morning, following a sudden and severe storm.
As the search continued through the night and into today, authorities recovered the body of one passenger, believed to be a Canadian cook. The Canadian Foreign Minister has confirmed that they are in contact with Italian officials regarding the recovery operation.
The Bayesian was carrying 22 people, including 10 crew members and 12 tourists. Among the tourists, there were primarily American and British nationals, as well as a New Zealander, an Irish citizen, and an individual from Sri Lanka. So far, 15 people have been rescued, while four British tourists and two Americans remain unaccounted for. Authorities suspect that some of the missing individuals may have been trapped in their cabins when the boat capsized, potentially due to a waterspout.
Notably among the missing is Mike Lynch, a prominent British entrepreneur known for co-founding Autonomy, a software company acquired by HP in a highly publicized deal that concluded with legal issues culminating in his acquittal last June. Alongside him, his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, is reported missing. Other notable figures unaccounted for include Jonathan Bloomer, the president of Morgan Stanley International, and American lawyer Chris Morvillo.
In the wake of this disaster, the public prosecutor's office in Termini Imerese has initiated an investigation to ascertain the causes of the capsizing. All individuals rescued, including the captain of the vessel, are expected to be interviewed in the coming days.
The Barclays rescue operation was initiated by the crew of another sailing boat, the Sir Robert B P, which was nearby when the incident occurred. According to Commander Karsent Börner, the Bayesian initially tilted before sinking within minutes. Following the initial rescue, coast guard and fire department ships and helicopters were deployed to assist in the operation.
Various organizations, including civil protection agencies, the municipality of Bagheria, and Caritas, have joined efforts to support the rescued individuals. Eight of the survivors have been transported to local hospitals for treatment and are now being accommodated in a hotel in Santa Flavia, where authorities are ensuring their needs are met, including the care of a one-year-old English girl and Angela Bacares, the wife of the missing entrepreneur Mike Lynch.
As search and rescue operations continue, families are left in anguish, hoping for positive outcomes as the efforts unfold in the wake of this heartbreaking maritime disaster.
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