Tech tycoon Mike Lynch missing after yacht sinks off Sicily

By Ezekiel David

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch is among those missing after a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday. The vessel, carrying 22 passengers of British, American, and Canadian nationalities, encountered severe storms in the western Mediterranean.

The 183-foot vessel, named the “Bayesian,” went under at roughly 4:00 am local time in waters around 50 meters deep off the coast of Porticello. Six persons are still missing despite the fact that 15 survivors—among them a one-year-old child—were saved.

One body has been recovered, though authorities have not yet confirmed the nationality. Eight survivors are currently receiving hospital treatment. The UK Foreign Office stated, “We are aware of the incident and in contact with local authorities.”

Read also: One dead, six missing after luxury yacht sinks off Sicilian coast

Lynch, who co-founded the software company Autonomy in 1996, became a prominent figure in the British tech industry. Autonomy’s rapid growth led to its acquisition by Hewlett-Packard for a staggering $11 billion in 2011, a deal that netted Lynch an estimated £500 million.

The purchase, however, provoked debate and led to protracted legal disputes. The company’s valuation was sharply written down after HP accused Lynch of exaggerating Autonomy’s worth. Lynch was then charged by US authorities in 2018, who claimed he had committed financial crimes.

Lynch vehemently denied the allegations and was extradited to the US in 2022 to face trial. In June of this year, he was acquitted of all charges.

As the search for survivors continues, the incident marks a dramatic turn of events for the once-celebrated tech entrepreneur.