British Tech Entrepreneur Among Missing After Yacht Sinks in Violent Sicilian Storm

A violent storm off Palermo's coast sank the luxury yacht Bayesian, leaving one dead and six missing, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch. The UK-registered vessel had 22 onboard; 15 were rescued, some hospitalized. An investigation is underway as shipbuilders and authorities assess the damage.

One man died and six people were missing after a luxury yacht was struck by an unexpectedly violent storm and sank off the Sicilian capital Palermo on Monday, according to the Italian coast guard.

The missing included British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, a person familiar with the rescue operation said. The 56-metre Bayesian, registered in the UK, had 22 people onboard; 15 were rescued, including a one-year-old child, the coast guard stated.

Coast guard official in Palermo stated, "The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude." Recent storms have ravaged Italy, with floods and landslides in the north after weeks of intense heat. Eight of the rescued were hospitalized and are in stable condition, local media reported.