UK Tech Mogul Mike Lynch Missing After Superyacht Sinks Off Italy

UK businessman Mike Lynch, 59, who was recently cleared of a USD 11 billion fraud case in the US, is among the missing after a superyacht sank off the southern coast of Italy, according to the Civil Protection Agency's head. The 56-metre luxury yacht, The Bayesian, had been anchored near Porticello, east of Palermo, when a sudden storm hit before dawn, wreaking havoc on beach clubs and small fishing harbours.

Lynch's wife was one of the 15 people rescued after the yacht sank amid violent winds and rain near Sicily's coast, leaving six others unaccounted for, according to Salvo Cocina of the Civil Protection Agency.

Italian authorities are investigating the incident as emergency efforts continue.

Lynch, was acquitted in June in a San Francisco court of charges related to the sale of his software company, Autonomy, to Hewlett-Packard, which had led to accusations of wire and securities fraud. Lynch, who co-founded Autonomy in 1996, had denied all accusations and faced up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

He is a celebrated figure in the tech industry, often referred to as the UK's answer to Bill Gates and is known for his investments and numerous accolades. A spokesperson for Invoke Capital, another company he founded, declined to comment on the incident.

Lynch was reportedly on board the yacht with company colleagues when the storm struck. In an interview following his US acquittal, he criticised the legal system, stating that only his financial resources allowed him to avoid being "swept away" by the prosecution process. He added that British citizens should not need significant funds to defend themselves.