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Two New Zealanders among 15 survivors of Sicily yacht disaster as storm claims one life, six still missing

Bayesian sinking news
Stock photo.

Ayla Ronald, a lawyer originally from Christchurch, and James Caulfield, another New Zealander, were among the 15 survivors of a tragic yacht sinking off the coast of Sicily.

The luxury British-flagged yacht, Bayesian, was struck by a tornado early yesterday morning, leading to its rapid submersion.

Among the six still missing are British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his daughter. The yacht was hosting a celebration for Lynch’s recent acquittal in a US fraud case when the disaster occurred. Ronald, who was instrumental in coordinating rescue efforts using her phone, is reported to be very shaken by the incident.

The yacht, managed by Camper & Nicholsons and designed to accommodate 12 guests, was hit by a violent storm that caused the vessel to lose balance and sink. Italian coast guards have located the wreck at a depth of 50 metres and are investigating the cause of the disaster. The survivors were rescued by nearby boats, and local authorities are still searching for the missing. The New Zealand Embassy in Rome has confirmed the involvement of two New Zealanders and is working with local authorities on the incident.

Image credit: Christoffer Engstrom

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5 COMMENTS

  1. And in an amazing coincidence his co-accused in the NZ$18 billion fraud case that they just were acquitted of died in a car accident on the same day, also it must have been one hell of a storm to sink a 50m yacht.

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