News
Body Recovered, Believed To Be Vessel’s Chef From Sunk Luxury Yacht
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.
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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