Mike Lynch, a prominent British tech entrepreneur and billionaire, was confirmed dead after his yacht capsized off the coast of Italy on Monday, authorities reported. The 59-year-old was one of six people whose bodies have been recovered, while his 18-year-old daughter remains missing as search efforts continue.
The tragic incident occurred when Lynch’s 56-meter British-flagged superyacht, Bayesian, encountered heavy rain and stormy weather about 20 kilometers east of Palermo, in southern Italy. The Italian coast guard and Fire Department have been leading the rescue and recovery operation, employing underwater search robots and divers in their efforts.
So far, 15 people have been rescued from the wreck, including Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares. However, six others, including Lynch, were initially reported missing. Among the recovered bodies is the yacht’s chef, Recaldo Thomas, who was found shortly after the vessel sank. On Wednesday, two more bodies were recovered, although their identities have not yet been confirmed.
The cause of the disaster remains under investigation. Giovanni Constantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group, suggested that the sinking could have resulted from a series of human errors, noting that the storm had been anticipated. He speculated that the yacht may have taken on water, leading to its capsizing. Italian prosecutors have launched a formal investigation into the incident, and witnesses, including the yacht’s captain, James Cutfield, are being questioned.
The passengers aboard Bayesian hailed from various countries, including the UK, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, France, Ireland, the United States, and Canada, underscoring the international scope of the tragedy.
Lynch, known for his significant contributions to the tech industry and his role as a key figure in British entrepreneurship, leaves behind a legacy marked by innovation and success. The search for his daughter and the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the yacht’s sinking continue to draw international attention.
As authorities work to determine the exact cause of the disaster, the tech community and Lynch’s family are left mourning the loss of a man who had a profound impact on the industry and those who knew him.
