British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter are among six people missing after their luxury yacht, the 56-meter vessel Bayesian, sank off the coast of Sicily in the early hours of Monday morning. The yacht, which was carrying 22 people, including British, American, and Canadian nationals, capsized around 05:00 local time after encountering a severe storm that produced waterspouts over the sea. Fifteen people, including a one-year-old British girl, were rescued, while search efforts continue for the missing.

The yacht’s sinking occurred near the Sicilian capital, Palermo, after the anchor reportedly caused the vessel to lose balance and sink during the storm. Authorities have identified wreckage 50 meters below the water’s surface and are conducting rescue operations involving divers and caving teams. The body of one man has been found, though his nationality remains unconfirmed, while Mr. Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, has been rescued.

The Bayesian was reportedly on a trip organized by Mr. Lynch for his work colleagues. Survivors are being treated in a Palermo hospital, with reports of injuries among those rescued. The UK Foreign Office is providing support to the affected British nationals and their families, while Britain’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch is conducting a preliminary assessment of the incident.

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