Tragedy at Sea: Bodies Found as Search for Missing Yacht Passengers Continues Off Sicily
Divers searching the wreckage of a luxury yacht that sank near Sicily have located two bodies, heightening concerns as the search for several missing individuals enters its third day. Among those missing are notable figures including UK tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, his teenage daughter Hannah, Morgan Stanley International chair Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, as well as lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda. The tragedy unfolded on Monday morning when the 56-meter yacht, named Bayesian and registered under a British flag, capsized after being struck by what witnesses believe to be a tornado or waterspout. The vessel, which had anchored off the coast near Porticello, was reportedly carrying 22 people at the time of the incident.
The yacht's chef, Recaldo Thomas, was discovered shortly after the sinking, but further discoveries have come slowly as divers faced difficulties reaching the hull. On Wednesday, officials from Reuters confirmed that two additional bodies were found, although details regarding their identities have not yet been released. Search and rescue teams have encountered significant challenges due to submerged debris and furniture obstructing the salvage operation.
Investigators are conducting interviews with witnesses and survivors, including the yacht's captain, James Cutfield, who has reportedly been interrogated for over two hours. Meanwhile, the port authority in Sicily has initiated an investigation separate from that of the public prosecutor in Termini Imerese to ascertain whether all necessary safety protocols were adhered to by the crew. A team from the UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch is also on-site to perform a preliminary assessment of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Lord Deben, a former cabinet minister and friend of Mike Lynch, commented on the dire situation, noting that Lynch was looking forward to a fresh beginning before his boat overturned amid the violent storm. Deben elaborated on Lynch’s recent journey, stating that he had just been exonerated in June of fraud charges in the United States related to the controversial acquisition of his company, Autonomy, by Hewlett-Packard in 2011. "He came back to be ready to start again. He made such a contribution to Britain; his companies have placed British IT at the forefront, and he was preparing to do it again. We pray that he can do it again," Deben stated on Times Radio.
The community mourns the loss of life and waits anxiously for updates from the ongoing search and investigation, with many hoping for the safe return of those still missing.
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