Superyacht Capsizes Off Sicily Coast; Sri Lankan Was Also Onboard

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A luxury superyacht carrying foreign tourists capsized and sank off the coast of Sicily during a severe storm, resulting in one confirmed death, six missing persons, and 15 rescued individuals.

The vessel, owned by UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch's family, overturned around 5 am on Monday near the port of Porticello.

Lynch, who was acquitted of fraud charges in June related to the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard, is among the missing.

The Italian Coastguard and firefighters managed to rescue 15 people, including a one-year-old child.

The yacht is believed to have succumbed to a tornado that struck the region. The majority of those on board were British, along with individuals from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, France, and Ireland.

The 56-metre British-flagged "Bayesian," known for its unique 75-metre mast, was listed for charter at up to €195,000 a week.

The yacht had a crew of 10 and 12 passengers, including British, American, and Canadian nationals.

Eight of the rescued individuals were hospitalized. One body was found near the wreck, but six others remain unaccounted for, according to Luca Cari, spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service. The nationality of the deceased has not yet been identified.

Rescue operations, involving helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue, and civil protection service, are ongoing.

The ship was located at a depth of 50 metres off Porticello, and deep-water police divers are attempting to access the hull.

The yacht, built in 2008 by Italian firm Perini Navi, could accommodate 12 passengers in luxurious cabins and featured a sleek, minimalist interior designed by French designer Remi Tessier.