Irish Citizen Among 22 Aboard Yacht That Sank Off Sicily in Severe Storm

Italian authorities have confirmed that an Irish citizen was among the 22 people aboard a British-registered sailing yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily early this morning.

The vessel, named the Bayesian, capsized in rough weather near the port of Porticello during the early hours, around 5:00 am local time (4:00 am Irish time).

The Bayesian, a 56-metre yacht, was navigating through treacherous conditions when it sank, prompting a significant rescue operation.

Italian firefighters and coast guard teams were dispatched to the scene, where they successfully rescued 15 people from the sea. However, seven others remain missing. The missing individuals include four Britons, two Americans, and one Canadian.

Of those rescued, eight were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue efforts continue, with a helicopter and boats combing the area, while divers have located the wreckage lying approximately 50 metres below the surface.

Initial reports suggest that a waterspout, a tornado-like phenomenon that occurs over water, may have struck the yacht, contributing to its sinking. The yacht had been moored at Porticello and set sail on Sunday evening, despite the impending storm.

Local media outlets report that the passengers included not only British nationals but also citizens from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and those holding dual British-French citizenship.

A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the situation is pending.