Mike Lynch yacht sinking survivors pictured for first time as search for billionaire intensifies

Photographers claim to have captured the survivors of a yacht disaster , who were seen leaving the Coast Guard Headquarters on 19th August 2024 in Porticello near Palermo, Italy.

Several individuals, including four Brits, two Americans and a Canadian, are unaccounted for after the 50-metre sailing yacht Bayesian, carrying 22 passengers, sank off the coast of Porticello in the province of Palermo , Sicily, around 3am GMT today.

Italy's coastguard and firefighters have managed to rescue 15 people, with search and rescue operations still underway.

An urgent search operation has been initiated for 22 individuals who disappeared after a luxury yacht capsized off the coast of Palermo, southern Italy.

The vessel, known as the Bajesian, encountered trouble around 5am after being struck by a tornado while sailing near Porticello, a fishing village in Sicily. Among those missing are four Brits, a Canadian and two Americans.

Local media has reported that the body of one man - believed to be a member of the kitchen crew - has been recovered from the water.

• Billionaire Mike Lynch missing after yacht capsizes in Sicily in horror tornado as one confirmed dead

Six individuals remain unaccounted for, one of whom is British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, according to reports. The tycoon, whose family reportedly owns the superyacht, is said to have disappeared following this morning's catastrophe.

His wife, Angela Bacares, is among the survivors who have been brought to shore.

Emergency services have saved 15 individuals, including a one year old infant and its mother, but coast guard patrols are still tirelessly searching for the remaining passengers of the vessel that encountered trouble around 5am today.

The boat is believed to have sunk during severe weather when a tornado struck Sicily. Divers have already accessed the hull, located 49 meters deep and approximately half a mile from the shore.

The survivors have been transported to Porticciolo.