Mike Lynch among missing after yacht sinks off Sicily as Brit tech tycoon's wife among 15 rescued

British entrepreneur Mike Lynch has been reported missing following a yachting accident off the coast of Sicily, which tragically resulted in at least one confirmed fatality. Angela Bacares, Lynch's wife, was among the individuals rescued from the incident.

Lynch is recognized as a key figure in the tech world, being the mastermind behind Autonomy Corporation and the birth of Invoke Capital. A released statement on behalf of Mr. Lynch offered no comment on the situation.

In the grim aftermath, one individual was found deceased near the crash site, about 164 feet underwater, shortly after the start of the search mission. The victim, presumed to be male, was discovered before the Italian Coast Guard disclosed: "There are currently seven missing, one crew member and six passengers, of British, American and Canadian nationality."

A nearby vessel, the Sir Robert, was one of the first to respond, aiding in the rescue efforts. Its captain cited the yacht, named Bayesian, had listed dramatically before succumbing to the waves: "tilted to one side and within minutes the boat sank, it all happened in a very short time."

The tragedy personalizes through Charlotte, one of the survivors, who recounted her struggle to safeguard her young daughter, Sophie, amid the chaos. Speaking to La Repubblica, a local Italian daily, she detailed her terrifying ordeal: "I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning.", reports the Express .

She describes the disorienting darkness, the sting of saltwater that barred sight and voice as she clamored for assistance, all while surrounded by fellow screams piercing the tumultuous night.

The sailboat capsized before 5 a. m.

near the port of Porticello, close to Palermo, where it was anchored. The Italian coast guard reported that the boat had a crew of 10 and 12 passengers, including British, American, and Canadian citizens.

Local reports indicated that a sudden severe storm, featuring water tornadoes known as waterspouts, had hit the area overnight. However, by Monday morning, the skies were clear, and the seas were calm.

The Bayesian, a 184-foot British-flagged vessel, was recognized for its single 246-foot mast, one of the world's tallest made of aluminium. It was illuminated at night, just hours before it sank.

Online charter sites list it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week.

Eight of the 15 people rescued and brought to shore at Porticello were hospitalized. One body was found near the wreckage, but six others were still missing, according to Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service.

Rescue crews located the vessel at a depth of 163 feet off Porticello, and deep-water police divers were attempting to access the hull, Cari said.

The operations, which could be seen from the shore, involved helicopters and rescue boats from the Coast Guard, fire rescue, and civil protection service.