Actions

4 bodies found during search of sunken yacht off Sicily

The discovery of the bodies came as rescuers were searching for six people who were reported missing since Monday.

Divers have found four bodies as they search the wreckage of a sunken superyacht off the coast of Sicily. (Scripps News)

Emergency services at the scene of the search for a missing boat, in Porticello, southern Italy

By: Elina Tarkazikis

Posted

and last updated

Divers have found four bodies as they search the wreckage of a sunken superyacht off the coast of Sicily.

The discovery of the bodies came Wednesday as rescuers were searching for six people who were reported missing since Monday.

The bodies were found when rescuers had gone underwater to search inside the hull of the yacht, AP said. Authorities indicated that that mission was a recovery one, given the amount of time that's passed since the sinking and because there were no signs of life exhibited during search efforts over the past three days.

Rescue crews were seen unloading two body bags at a port in Porticello on Wednesday.

Among the six reported missing were British tech mogul Mike Lynch — who was recently acquitted of fraud in the U.S. — and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah Lynch.

Also missing were Mike Lynch's lawyer Chris Morvillo, who represented him in the fraud trial, and his jewelry designer wife Neda Morvillo. Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of the Morgan Stanley International bank and insurance company Hiscox was also missing, alongside his wife Judy Bloomer. Jonathan Bloomer recently served as a defense witness in Lynch's fraud case.

It is being reported in British media that Italian authorities believe two of the recovered bodies are of Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah.

Two people remain unaccounted for.

The yacht sank in a storm early Monday. Fifteen people escaped via a lifeboat and were rescued by a nearby sailboat. Civil protection officials believe the yacht was struck by a tornado over the water, AP said.

The UK's Marine Accident Investigation branch is launching an investigation into the watercraft's sinking.

Italian authorities say the British investigation is not involved at this point in search, recovery and rescue missions, but will be at some point being that the Bayesian yacht involved in the incident was British-flagged.