Following a storm on August 19th, a luxury yacht carrying 22 people sank near the coast of Sicily, Italy. Authorities reported that one body has been recovered, but six people, including two Americans, four Britons, and one Canadian, are still missing. The incident occurred during a storm on August 19th, according to the Italian Coast Guard. Fifteen people were rescued from the sinking yacht, including a one-year-old child.
“This morning at about 5.00 am (0300 GMT), following a violent storm, a 56-meter yacht called Bayesian flying the British flag sank near Porticello,” the Italian Coast Guard said in a statement.
Italian media reported that the yacht was struck by a waterspout, a miniature version of a tornado, during the storm, causing the boat to capsize.
Of the 15 people rescued, eight were transported to local hospitals, including the one-year old child. All those rescued are reported to be in stable condition, according to Reuters.
Specialist divers are currently inspecting the wreckage of the ship, which is located at a depth of approximately 160 feet, for any remaining bodies. A helicopter is also assisting with the search for survivors on the surface. The public prosecutor in the Italian city of Termini Imerese has launched an investigation into the incident.
The yacht, reportedly built in 2008 by the Italian shipmaker Perini, was designed to accommodate up to 12 passengers and 10 crew members. The vessel had a maximum speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. The ship had departed from the Italian port of Milazzo on August 14th and was en route to Bagheria, another Sicilian port, where it was expected to arrive on September 18th, according to the website .
