The recent sinking of the luxury sailboat, The Bayesian, off the coast of Porticello in Sicily has led to the tragic disappearance of several notable individuals, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, often referred to as the 'British Bill Gates', and Jonathan Bloomer, the chairman of Morgan Stanley International. The incident occurred during a severe storm that struck the region, resulting in the yacht capsizing and sinking in the early hours of Monday. Among the six people reported missing are Lynch's daughter, Hannah, and Bloomer's wife, Judy. Aki Hussain, CEO of Hiscox, expressed his condolences for those affected, particularly for Bloomer and his wife. The yacht, which was carrying 12 passengers and 10 crew members, was reportedly on a celebratory cruise organized by Lynch following his acquittal in a high-profile fraud case in the U.S. earlier this year. While 15 individuals were rescued, including Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, the search for the missing continues amid challenging conditions.
The Bayesian, a 56-meter luxury yacht, was known for its opulent design and high rental cost, reaching up to €195,000 per week. Built in 2008 by Perini Navi, it featured a striking 75-meter mast, making it one of the largest sailing vessels in the world. The yacht's interior boasted a minimalist style with Japanese influences, designed by renowned French designer Rémi Tessier. Tragically, the storm that led to the sinking was accompanied by violent winds and a waterspout, which reportedly damaged beach establishments along the coast. The incident has garnered significant media attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the ongoing search efforts by divers and the Coast Guard.
- The yacht was reportedly anchored when the storm hit, causing the main mast to break and leading to the vessel's capsizing. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with nearby boats providing assistance as soon as the distress signals were raised. The search and rescue operations have involved divers searching the wreckage at depths of 50 meters, while helicopters and patrol boats comb the surrounding waters for any signs of the missing individuals. The tragedy has raised questions about safety regulations for luxury yacht excursions, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
- Mike Lynch's legal battles have been highly publicized, particularly his extradition to the U.S. to face fraud charges related to the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett Packard for $11 billion. His recent acquittal was seen as a significant victory, allowing him to celebrate with family and friends on this ill-fated cruise. Jonathan Bloomer, on the other hand, has had a distinguished career in finance, serving on various boards and leading significant organizations in the insurance sector.
