Authorities officially identify victims of Sicily yacht tragedy

The seven victims who died after a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily have been officially identified.

At a press conference on Saturday, August 24, Termini Imrese prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio shared more information about the tragedy and listed The name of the body that was found. They included chef Recaldo Thomas and six other victims raised in the days after the yacht sank on August 19. Hannah Lynch, the daughter of a British technology entrepreneur.

“22nd [of August] We found the body of Michael Lynch, and on the 23rd we found the body of his 18-year-old daughter. Michael Lynch’s daughter was a young girl who truly impacted everyone. This is a very serious tragedy,” Catosio said.

He also said that on August 22, authorities found prominent New York City attorney Christopher Morvillo and his wife, Neda, as well as Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer. ) and his wife Judy.

Palermo fire brigade chief Girolamo Bentivoglio Fiandra spoke at a press conference and shared details of some of the victims’ final moments and where they were found.

“It was obvious that people were trying to hide in huts. On the left side, we found the first 5 bodies in huts on the left and the last body on the right side. We found them at the highest point of the boat, close to the water. This There are three cabins on each side of the boat.

He also said that the five people who “took refuge in the left cabin of the sailboat” had been “looking for air pockets.”

Lynch, 59, was acquitted of fraud and conspiracy charges two months before her disappearance. Movillo, also 59, was involved in the case, and Bloomer, 70, was a close friend of Lynch.

A source close to the survivors told People that passengers on the yacht were celebrating Lynch’s recent acquittal when the storm hit.

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According to a biography on Clifford Chance’s website, Movello previously served as a federal prosecutor and “assisted in the criminal investigation of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks” as well as other trials. His wife is said to be a high-end jewelry designer.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic incident,” a spokesperson for the law firm said in a statement to PEOPLE.

The spokesman added: “Our thoughts are with our partner Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda and their families among the missing persons.”

The Italian Coast Guard previously said there were 22 people on board. BayesianThere were 12 passengers and 10 crew members on board when the ship sank. Fifteen people were rescued, including Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares.

Eight people were reportedly rescued and taken to local hospitals.

Local news reported that the body of Thomas, the cook, was found near the ship shortly after the storm subsided.