A single casualty and six individuals unaccounted for following a tornado that submerged a lavish yacht near Sicily.
Six folks are reported missing following a tornado striking the boat around 5 a.m. on Monday, as per a Coast Guard representative from Italy. The luxury yacht was moored about half a mile away from Porticello's harbor on the Mediterranean island.
Seventeen individuals have been saved from the disaster, and a youngster was flown to Palermo's children's hospital. The ship's captain is among the survivors, the Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed.
The 56-meter yacht, nicknamed "Bayesian," sails under the British flag and predominantly carries British passengers and crew, along with two Anglo-French, one New Zealander, one Irish, and one Sri Lankan, according to the Coast Guard spokesperson. They shared this information with CNN.
Italian firefighters reported their divers managed to reach the yacht's hull, located 49 meters (160 feet) below sea level, according to their press statement. Additionally, they dispatched helicopters to aid in the ongoing search operations.
This situation is still evolving and updates are expected.
Despite the disaster, concern for the safety of all passengers and crew members spreads across the world. The European Union has expressed its support and offered resources to aid in the rescue efforts.
