A luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily early Monday morning after being struck by a tornado, leaving one person dead and six others missing. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. near the port of Porticello, on the Mediterranean island, according to Italian authorities.
The Incident
The yacht, a 56-meter vessel named the “Bayesian,” was anchored approximately half a mile from the port when it was hit by the tornado. The force of the storm caused the yacht to capsize and sink, plunging to a depth of 49 meters (160 feet) below sea level. The Italian Coast Guard, which is leading the rescue efforts, reported that 15 people were rescued from the scene, including the yacht’s captain. One child was airlifted to the children’s hospital in Palermo for medical treatment.
Search and Rescue Operations
Rescue operations have been underway near Palermo, close to the site of the incident. The Italian fire brigade has deployed divers to reach the sunken yacht’s hull and has also dispatched helicopters to aid in the search for the missing individuals. Despite these efforts, six people remain unaccounted for, and the search continues.
The Yacht and Its Passengers
The “Bayesian” yacht, which flies under a British flag, had a diverse group of passengers and crew on board at the time of the incident. According to the Coast Guard spokesperson, most of the passengers were British, with others including two Anglo-French nationals, one New Zealander, one Irish, and one Sri Lankan.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the severe weather conditions that can occur in the Mediterranean, particularly around Sicily, where sudden and violent storms like the one that struck the “Bayesian” are not uncommon.
Conclusion
As search and rescue operations continue, hopes are fading for the six missing individuals. The incident highlights the dangers posed by severe weather at sea, even for large, well-equipped vessels like the “Bayesian.” Italian authorities are continuing their efforts to locate the missing and investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic sinking of the luxury yacht.
