The family of Mike Lynch has released a statement following the loss of the tragic sinking of his superyacht.
The 160-foot luxury yacht, named the Bayesian, was caught in a violent storm, leading to its capsizing in the waters near Italy.
The incident unfolded during the early hours of Monday morning, as the yacht - carrying 22 people (12 passengers and 10 crew members) - was hit by a sudden and devastating waterspout tornado.
According to Italian media, the powerful winds from the tornado snapped the yacht's single mast, causing it to lose balance and ultimately capsize.
The Italian Coast Guard and local authorities launched an immediate rescue operation, managing to save 15 people, per Sky News.
Tragically, seven people have been confirmed to have died, including British billionaire Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah Lynch.
The Lynch family have since released a photo of Hannah and her father.
In a statement cited by the BBC, a family spokesperson expressed their devastation: "The Lynch family is devastated, in shock, and is being comforted and supported by family and friends. Their thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy.
"They would like to sincerely thank the Italian coastguard, emergency services, and all those who helped in the rescue. Their one request now is that their privacy be respected at this time of unspeakable grief."
Among the survivors are Hannah’s mother, Angela Bacares, and a one-year-old child.
However, the tragedy claimed the lives of five others, including Morgan Stanley International Bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy Bloomer.
Also amongst the deceased were Chris Morvillo, his wife Neda Morvillo, and the yacht's chef Recaldo Thomas.
Following the recovery of the final body, a coastguard vessel was seen returning to port, while divers on the quayside removed their gear.
The Italian Coast Guard stated that raising the sunken yacht from the seabed is "not on the agenda" at this time but may be considered in the future.
Divers noted that the ship remains "practically intact" on the seabed.
Hannah was a former pupil of Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith, London.
A spokesperson for the school expressed their shock and offered condolences: "We are all incredibly shocked by the news. Our thoughts are with their family and everyone involved."
As the final body was recovered, reports in the Italian media suggested that prosecutors might soon announce a manslaughter investigation related to the incident.
The Prosecutor’s Office of Termini Imerese, led by Ambrogio Cartosio, is reportedly investigating the shipwreck and multiple counts of culpable manslaughter, according to The Mirror.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.
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