Tragic Yacht Sinking Off Italy’s Coast
The Fateful Night
On Sunday night, the Gulf of Naples, including Capri, and the Eolian archipelago, the yacht anchored half a mile off the Sicilian coast in Porticello, Italy, a stretch of water favored by the Phoenicians thousands years ago. The boat was lit "like a Christmas tree," local residents said, standing out against the full moon.
The Violent Storm
But about 4 a.m., calamity unfolded. A violent and fast storm hit the area with some of the strongest winds locals said they had ever felt. Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman, said he saw a flare pierce the darkness shortly after 4.
The Yacht’s Demise
Minutes later, the yacht was underwater. Only dozens of cushions from the boat’s deck and a gigantic radar from its mast floated on the surface of the sea, fishermen said.
The Aura of Misfortune
The aura of misfortune only deepened when it emerged that Stephen Chamberlain, a former vice president of finance for the yachts’ owner, Mike Lynch, was killed two days earlier, when he was hit by a car while jogging near his house in England.
The Aftermath
The recovery effort and investigation have turned the tiny port town of Porticello, a quiet enclave where older men sit bare-chested on balconies, into what feels like the set of a crime movie. Helicopters have flown overhead. Ambulances have sped by with the sirens blaring. The Coast Guard has patrolled the waters off shore, within sight of a cordoned-off dock that had been turned into an emergency headquarters.
The Investigation
The yacht’s captain, James Cutfield, who survived the tragedy, has refused to comment. The Italian Coast Guard believes the yacht was hit by a down burst or a waterspout. Experts say the winds were so strong, they felt like an earthquake.
Recovery Efforts
The surviving crew members have not made public statements about what happened that night. The body of Recaldo Thomas, the ship’s cook, was recovered, and all but one of the missing bodies have been retrieved. As of Thursday morning, hopes of finding the missing person alive were thin.
Mike Lynch’s Last Days
What was certain was that Mr. Lynch’s disappearance was yet another cruel twist of fate for a man who had spent years seeking to clear his name. He was nicknamed Britain’s Bill Gates, but for over a decade, he had been treated as anything but a respected tech leader.
Conclusion
The tragic yacht sinking off the Italian coast has left a trail of devastation in its wake. The investigation is ongoing, but questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the ship’s demise. As the grieving families and friends of those lost at sea come to terms with their loss, the world is left to mourn the senseless tragedy that has unfolded in the Mediterranean.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of the storm that hit the yacht?
A: The storm was caused by strong winds and a down burst, believed to be similar to a tornado over water.
Q: How many lives were lost in the tragedy?
A: The body of one crew member is still missing, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Q: Did the captain of the yacht issue a distress call?
A: The captain has refused to comment.
Q: What was the weather like before the storm hit the yacht?
A: The storm hit suddenly, with winds exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph).
Q: Has any wreckage been recovered from the tragedy?
A: Yes, dozens of cushions from the boat’s deck and a gigantic radar from its mast have been recovered.
