A body that was recovered near the wreck of the luxury yacht Bayesian, which sank off the coast of Sicily during a violent storm, is believed to be that of Chef Recaldo Thomas. The Canadian-Antiguan national was one of 22 people aboard the yacht when it capsized early Monday morning.
The tragic incident occurred approximately 700 meters from Porticello, just east of Palermo, and left six passengers still missing, including prominent figures such as British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer.
Thomas, known for his deep voice and radiant smile, was cherished by many. Gareth Williams, a longtime friend who grew up with Thomas in Antigua, described him as well-loved and kind. Williams recounted that Thomas had recently spoken of his desire to continue working for two more seasons to refurbish his late parents’ house, despite being tired from years of yachting. “He told me just the other day that he needed to work two more seasons to fix up his late parents’ house. He loved yachting, but he was tired,” Williams said.
Another friend, Eli Fuller, highlighted Thomas’s role as a mentor to young people, noting how his success in the yachting industry served as an inspiration to many in their community.
The sinking of the Bayesian is believed to have been caused by a waterspout, a type of tornado over water, which struck the vessel and caused it to capsize. The yacht, flying a British flag and measuring 56 meters (183 feet) in length, now lies on the seabed at a depth of 50 meters. Divers have faced significant challenges in reaching the cabins of the sunken vessel, as the hull is tilted at a 90-degree angle, and debris clutters the narrow stairs leading into the cabins.
Despite the difficulties, the Italian coastguard, with the aid of specialist divers and remotely operated underwater vehicles, continues to search for the remaining missing passengers. A member of the diving team, Marco Tilotta, had assured that they would do their best to find the missing people. He said, “We are not stopping. We have resources, manpower and means. Our goal is to find all the people who are missing, so that is our job.”
The search operation includes five patrol boats, at least two helicopters, and a team of divers who can only spend about 12 minutes underwater, limiting their search time to just 10 minutes per dive.
Among the missing are Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, as well as Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy. Other missing passengers include American jewelry designer Neda Morvillo and her husband Chris, whose absence has been confirmed by his law firm, Clifford Chance. The Bayesian was reportedly hosting a celebration for lawyers who had represented Lynch in his recent legal proceedings, where Bloomer had been a defense witness.
The incident has cast a shadow over the yachting community and left survivors and loved ones grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy. Dr. Fabio Genco, a member of the local emergency medical service that treated the survivors, recalled that the word “darkness” was repeatedly mentioned by those who lived through the shipwreck. Survivors spoke of the terrifying minutes from the moment the boat was lifted by waves until it sank.
As the search continues, the international yachting and legal communities are mourning the loss of lives and holding onto hope for those still missing.
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