1 dead, 6 missing after tornado sinks luxury yacht near Sicily

One body has been recovered, and six people remain missing after a 184-foot luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily during a violent storm on Monday, Aug. 19. According to the Italian coast guard, the yacht was struck by a tornado around 5 a.m. local time while anchored about half a mile from the port of Porticello.

Fifteen people, including a one-year-old child, were rescued from the scene and transported to local hospitals, where all are reported to be in stable condition. The survivors include the yacht’s captain. However, search efforts continue for the six missing individuals, who are believed to be of British, American, and Canadian nationality.

The yacht, named “Bayesian,” was built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008 and registered under a British flag. The vessel was carrying a mix of British passengers and crew, as well as nationals from the U.S., Canada, and other countries.

#Palermo, naufragio imbarcazione davanti alla costa di Porticello, 15 persone salvate, 7 segnalate come disperse: dall’alba #sommozzatori dei #vigilidelfuoco impegnati nelle ricerche. Relitto individuato a 50 metri di profondità, in arrivo sommozzatori speleo [#19agosto 10:00] pic.twitter.com/IJGP2aRRWB

— Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 19, 2024

Italy’s fire brigade confirmed that divers reached the wreck, now resting 160 feet below the surface. Helicopters have also been dispatched to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operation.

The storm that caused the yacht to sink is part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting Italy, where heavy rain, floods, and landslides have been wreaking havoc in the northern regions following a period of extreme heat.

Authorities are investigating why the yacht remained anchored despite the adverse weather conditions.