Tragedy Strikes as Yacht Sinks off Sicily: High-Profile Passengers Among the Missing
In a devastating incident off the coast of Sicily, the yacht Bayesian sank due to a powerful tornado, resulting in six tourists missing, including prominent figures from finance and law. Among the missing are Jonathan Bloomer, president of Morgan Stanley International, and renowned attorney Chris Morvillo from Clifford Chance.
The unfortunate event occurred in the early hours of Monday, near Palermo, as the yacht carried a total of 22 individuals, comprising 10 crew members and 12 passengers. Rescue operations have successfully retrieved 15 individuals, including Angela Bacares, wife of one of the missing passengers, Lynch, and a body believed to be the ship's cook has been recovered.
Authorities have commenced extensive search operations, engaging divers to scour the wreckage located approximately 49 meters below the surface. Coast Guard patrol boats and helicopters are patrolling the surrounding waters in hopes of locating the missing tourists. Among the missing are four British nationals and two Americans.
Jonathan Bloomer, aged 70, has a notable background serving on the boards of several corporations, making his absence particularly concerning. Chris Morvillo, who is well-known for handling high-profile corruption cases and previously served as the district attorney of New York from 1999 to 2005, was representing Bloomer in a recent case that concluded successfully. Morvillo also notably contributed to the criminal investigation following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York.
Hannah Lynch, the 18-year-old daughter of the well-known entrepreneur Lynch, is also among the missing. Lynch is recognized for his involvement in the technology sector, launching various software companies. However, he faced legal challenges relating to the 2011 sale of his company to Hewlett Packard (HP) for an estimated value of $11 billion. This high-stakes transaction notably garnered Lynch an approximate profit of $800 million.
The search continues for the missing individuals as the community and their families remain hopeful for a safe return. The incident serves as a grim reminder of nature's unpredictability and the risks associated with maritime excursions.
Related Sources: