Tragedy at Sea: Luxury Yacht Sinks in Storm, Six Presumed Dead

CCTV footage captured the chilling moment a luxury yacht capsized and sank off the coast of Italy during a fierce storm, leaving six people presumed dead.

Grainy CCTV footage has emerged, capturing the heart-stopping moment when a luxury yacht, the Bayesian, was engulfed by a ferocious storm off the coast of Italy, leading to its tragic sinking and the presumed deaths of six passengers.

The incident occurred on August 19, 2024, as the Bayesian, a 184-foot British-flagged vessel, anchored near the port of Porticello. According to eyewitnesses, the yacht was struck by a waterspout, a tornado-like phenomenon that formed over the sea. Within minutes, the yacht capsized and sank, leaving its passengers and crew stranded in the treacherous waters.

Tragedy at Sea: Luxury Yacht Sinks in Storm, Six Presumed Dead

Fifteen people survived the harrowing ordeal, including Mike Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares. Tragically, Lynch, a prominent British tech magnate, lost his life alongside his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah Lynch, whose body was recovered on Friday. Other victims included Christopher Morvillo, an American lawyer who had defended Lynch in a recent fraud case, and Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer, who had testified in Lynch's defense.

As divers searched for the missing, investigators descended upon the scene to determine the cause of the disaster. The public prosecutor's office in Termini Imerese, Sicily, has launched an investigation into possible negligence on the part of the yacht's crew.

Tragedy at Sea: Luxury Yacht Sinks in Storm, Six Presumed Dead

Possible charges could include negligent shipwreck and multiple homicide, according to sources within the investigation. The captain of the vessel and other survivors have been questioned by the Italian Coast Guard at the request of the prosecutor's office.

Investigators are examining several factors that may have contributed to the tragedy, including the prevailing weather conditions and the yacht's design. The Italian Sea Group, which built the Bayesian, has ruled out any design or construction flaws, attributing the sinking to a series of "indescribable, unreasonable errors" by the crew.

Tragedy at Sea: Luxury Yacht Sinks in Storm, Six Presumed Dead

Meanwhile, the Lynch family released a statement expressing their devastation and gratitude for the support they have received. "The family is devastated, in shock and is being comforted and supported by family and friends," the spokesperson said. "Their thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy. They would like to sincerely thank the Italian Coastguard, emergency services, and all those who helped in the rescue."

As the search and recovery operation continues, authorities remain hopeful that they will eventually recover the bodies of the six missing passengers. The tragic sinking of the Bayesian serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea and the importance of adhering to safety protocols in marine environments.

Tragedy at Sea: Luxury Yacht Sinks in Storm, Six Presumed Dead