By The Nexus Gazette.
20th August, 2024.
Milan, Italy — In a heartbreaking maritime disaster, British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah Lynch, and the yacht’s chef, Ricardo Thomas, are among six people missing after their luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily. The tragic incident occurred near Porticello, outside Palermo, during a powerful storm that left one man dead and the remaining passengers unaccounted for.
The luxury yacht, carrying 22 passengers including several British citizens, was struck by severe weather conditions. Witnesses reported that the yacht’s mast snapped in half due to the force of the storm, causing the vessel to capsize. The Italian coastguard swiftly launched an extensive search and rescue operation, deploying specialist divers, helicopters, and patrol boats to comb the waters for survivors.
Despite the rescue efforts, six people remain missing, including Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah, and chef Ricardo Thomas. Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, was rescued from the scene, but the search continues for the others as hopes of finding them alive dwindle.
Mike Lynch, a prominent figure in the tech world, co-founded Autonomy, a British software company he sold to Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $11 billion in 2011. The deal was marred by controversy, leading to a lengthy legal battle in which HP accused Lynch of fraud. However, in a major legal victory, Lynch was acquitted in the US in June 2024, avoiding a possible 20-year prison sentence.
Lynch has also played a significant role in public service, serving on the board of the BBC and advising the UK government on artificial intelligence (AI) risks and opportunities. His contributions to the tech industry and public policy have made him a key figure in both sectors.
Hannah Lynch, Mike Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, is among the missing. Described as a bright and promising young woman, Hannah was enjoying a family holiday when the disaster struck. The yacht’s chef, Ricardo Thomas, who had been with the family for several years, is also unaccounted for.
The Italian coastguard’s search for the missing passengers continues, but as time passes, the likelihood of survival decreases. This tragedy has underscored the dangers of maritime travel, particularly during severe weather, and raised questions about yacht safety and emergency preparedness.
This devastating incident has sent shockwaves through the tech community and beyond. As the search for the missing continues, the thoughts of many are with the families and friends affected by this profound loss.
Resources:
1.https://www.bbc.com/news/live/ce38n4egqwzt?post=asset%3A0bdced47-e123-4b70-997a-7568386b25b2
3.https://island.lk/uk-tech-tycoon-among-six-missing-after-yacht-sinks/
4.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce38n4egqwzt