Tragic Yacht Disaster off Sicily: Morgan Stanley Chairman Among the Missing
In a heartbreaking incident off the coast of Sicily, the luxury yacht Bayesian sank during a violent storm, leaving several individuals, including Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and prominent British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, unaccounted for. Reports indicate that Bloomer, along with Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo, are among two of the six missing persons after the yacht capsized near Porticello on Monday morning.
According to the Sicilian civil protection agency, a total of ten crew members and twelve passengers were aboard the yacht when it was struck by the severe weather conditions just after 4 AM local time. Eyewitness accounts describe the chaotic moment when the ship's mast broke, leading to the vessel descending rapidly into the turbulent waters. The search and rescue operations are currently ongoing, as authorities and officials attempt to locate those still missing.
Tragically, Riccardo Thomas, the yacht's cook, has been confirmed dead by the Italian coastguard. Meanwhile, Angela Bacares, Lynch's wife, has been rescued along with 15 other individuals. Eyewitness Charlotte Golunski recounted a harrowing experience of nearly losing her one-year-old child during the storm but was fortunately able to keep the infant above the rising waves until her rescue.
Mike Lynch, the founder of the software firm Autonomy, has been embroiled in a lengthy legal battle with Hewlett Packard, which accused him of inflating the company’s value prior to an $11 billion sale. After being extradited to the United States last year, Lynch faced trial and was acquitted of fraud in June after a three-month court process.
While the search continues, there has been no comment from Morgan Stanley or Italian officials regarding the incident. Clifford Chance also refrained from providing any statements at this time. As the stormy waters of the Mediterranean remain unpredictable, the hearts of many are with the loved ones of those lost at sea during this incomprehensible tragedy.
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