'British Bill Gates' Mike Lynch Missing After Yacht Sinks Near Sicily
British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is among six missing after a luxury yacht sank off Sicily. The Bayesian yacht went down in a storm, and search efforts are ongoing.
@ReadWhatRickWrote 
On Tuesday, specialist divers were working in shifts to search for six missing people, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, after their luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily. The yacht, named the Bayesian, went down in a storm early Monday morning while carrying 12 passengers and 10 crew members. So far, one body has been recovered, and 15 people were rescued.
What Happened?
Italian officials believe a sudden and severe storm created a waterspout where the 56-meter British-flagged yacht was anchored. Witnesses reported seeing the yacht during the storm but losing sight of it afterward. The storm's aftermath left only a red flare and some debris. Nearby rescuers found a lifeboat with 15 survivors and alerted the coast guard. The wreck is now resting about 50 meters underwater, half a mile from Porticello.
Who Was On Board?
Mike Lynch, a 59-year-old tech tycoon sometimes called the "British Bill Gates," is among the missing. Lynch, who was acquitted of fraud charges in the U.S. earlier this year, faced a potential $4 billion claim in a civil case related to his company's sale. His daughter, Hannah, is also missing. Surviving are his wife, Angela Bacares, and 14 others. Missing people also include prominent figures like U.S. lawyer Christopher Morvillo and Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International.
What is the Bayesian?
The Bayesian was a luxury yacht built in 2008, known for its tall aluminum mast. It was listed for charter at around $215,000 per week. The yacht’s name refers to “Bayesian inference,” a statistical method used by Lynch’s company, Autonomy.
What is a Waterspout?
Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, often during severe storms. There are two types: fair-weather and tornadic. Tornadic waterspouts are associated with intense storms and dangerous weather conditions.
Next Steps
As the search continues, Sicilian prosecutors have started an investigation into the sinking. The British Marine Accident Investigation Branch has sent inspectors to Palermo to assist with the inquiry.
