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Who Owns Which Superyacht? (A Complete Guide)

who owns ace superyacht

Have you ever wondered who owns the most luxurious, extravagant, and expensive superyachts? Or how much these lavish vessels are worth? In this complete guide, we’ll explore who owns these magnificent vessels, what amenities they hold, and the cost of these incredible yachts.

We’ll also take a look at some of the most expensive superyachts in the world and the notable people behind them.

Get ready to explore the world of superyachts and the people who own them!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The ownership of superyachts is generally private, so the exact answer to who owns which superyacht is not always publicly available.

However, there are some notable superyacht owners that are known.

For example, Larry Ellison, the co-founder of Oracle, owns the Rising Sun, which is the 11th largest superyacht in the world.

Other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Overview of Superyachts

The term superyacht refers to a large, expensive recreational boat that is typically owned by the worlds wealthy elite.

These vessels are designed for luxury cruising and typically range in size from 24 meters to over 150 meters, with some even larger.

Superyachts usually feature extensive amenities and creature comforts, such as swimming pools, outdoor bars, movie theaters, helipads, and spas.

Superyachts can range in price from $30 million to an astonishingly high $400 million.

Like most luxury items, the ownership of a superyacht is a status symbol for those who can afford it.

The list of superyacht owners reads like a whos who of billionaires, with names like Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

While some superyacht owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extravagant amenities.

Some of the most famous superyachts feature swimming pools, private beaches, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and luxurious spas.

In conclusion, owning a superyacht is an exclusive status symbol for the world’s wealthy elite.

These vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million, and feature some of the most luxurious amenities imaginable.

Notable owners include the Emir of Qatar, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Who are the Owners of Superyachts?

who owns ace superyacht

From Hollywood celebrities to tech billionaires, superyacht owners come from all walks of life.

Many of the most well-known owners are billionaires, including Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Other notable owners include Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.

However, not all superyacht owners are wealthy.

Many are everyday people who have worked hard and saved up to purchase their dream vessel.

Other notable billionaire owners include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and former US President Donald Trump.

These luxurious vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from $30 million to over $400 million.

For many superyacht owners, their vessels serve as a status symbol of wealth and luxury.

Some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, while others have made headlines with their extensive amenities – from swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas.

Many of these yachts are designed to the owner’s exact specifications, ensuring that each one is totally unique and reflects the owner’s individual tastes and personality.

Owning a superyacht is an exclusive club, reserved for those with the means and the desire to experience the ultimate in luxury.

Whether they are billionaires or everyday people, superyacht owners are all united in their love of the sea and their appreciation for the finer things in life.

The Most Expensive Superyacht in the World

When it comes to superyachts, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, certainly knows how to make a statement.

His luxury vessel, the 463-foot Al Mirqab, holds the title of the world’s most expensive superyacht.

Built in 2008 by German shipbuilder Peters Werft, this impressive yacht is complete with 10 luxurious cabins, a conference room, cinema, and all the amenities one would expect from a vessel of this magnitude.

In addition, the Al Mirqab features a helipad, swimming pool, and even an outdoor Jacuzzi.

With a price tag of over $400 million, the Al Mirqab is one of the most expensive yachts in the world.

In addition to the Emir of Qatar, there are several other notable owners of superyachts.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos all own luxurious vessels.

Bezos yacht, the aptly named The Flying Fox, is one of the longest superyachts in the world at a staggering 414 feet in length.

The Flying Fox also comes with a host of amenities, such as a helipad, swimming pool, spa, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas.

Bezos also reportedly spent over $400 million on the vessel.

Other notable owners of superyachts include Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who owns the $200 million Kingdom 5KR, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who owns the $200 million Rising Sun.

There are also many lesser-known owners, such as hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin, who owns the $150 million Aviva, and investor Sir Philip Green, who owns the $100 million Lionheart.

No matter who owns them, superyachts are sure to turn heads.

With their impressive size, luxurious amenities, and hefty price tags, these vessels have become a symbol of wealth and prestige.

Whether its the Emir of Qatar or a lesser-known owner, the worlds superyacht owners are sure to make a statement.

Notable Superyacht Owners

who owns ace superyacht

When it comes to the wealthiest and most luxurious owners of superyachts, the list reads like a whos who of the worlds billionaires.

At the top of the list is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who holds the distinction of owning the most expensive superyacht in the world.

Aside from the Emir, other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

All of these owners have made headlines with their extravagant vessels, which are typically priced between $30 million and $400 million.

The amenities that come with these vessels vary greatly from owner to owner, but they almost always include luxurious swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, and spas.

Some owners opt for more extravagant features, such as submarines, personal submarines, and even their own personal submarines! Other owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye, but for those who prefer a more showy approach, they can certainly make a statement with a superyacht.

No matter who owns the vessel, it’s no surprise that these superyachts are a status symbol among the world’s wealthiest.

Whether you’re trying to impress your peers or just looking to enjoy a luxurious outing, owning a superyacht is the ultimate way to show off your wealth.

What Amenities are Included on Superyachts?

Owning a superyacht is a sign of wealth and prestige, and many of the worlds most prominent billionaires have their own vessels.

The most expensive superyacht in the world is owned by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while other notable owners include Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The cost of a superyacht can range from $30 million to over $400 million, but the price tag doesnt quite capture the sheer extravagance and amenities of these vessels.

Superyachts come with all the comforts of home, and then some.

Many owners will equip their vessels with swimming pools, helicopter pads, on-board cinemas, spas, and other luxury amenities.

The interior of a superyacht can be custom-designed to the owners specifications.

Some owners opt for modern, sleek designs, while others prefer a more traditional look.

Many of the most luxurious yachts feature marble floors, walk-in closets, and custom-made furniture.

Some vessels even come with a full-service gym, complete with exercise equipment and trained professionals.

Other amenities may include a library, casino, media room, and private bar.

When it comes to outdoor amenities, superyachts have some of the most impressive features in the world.

Many yachts come with outdoor entertainment areas, complete with full kitchens, dining rooms, and lounge areas.

Some owners even opt for hot tubs or jacuzzis for relaxing afternoons in the sun.

And, of course, there are the jet skis, water slides, and other exciting water activities that come with many of these vessels.

No matter what amenities a superyacht has, it is sure to be an experience like no other.

From the sleek interiors to the luxurious outdoor features, these vessels provide a unique, luxurious experience that is unrivaled on land.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an exciting adventure, a superyacht is sure to provide.

How Much Do Superyachts Cost?

who owns ace superyacht

When it comes to superyachts, the sky is the limit when it comes to cost.

These luxury vessels come with hefty price tags that can range from anywhere between $30 million to over $400 million.

So, if youre in the market for a superyacht, youre looking at an investment that could easily break the bank.

The cost of a superyacht is driven by a variety of factors, including size, amenities, and customization.

Generally, the larger the yacht, the more expensive it will be.

Superyachts typically range in size from 100 feet to over 200 feet, and they can be as wide as 40 feet.

The bigger the yacht, the more luxurious features and amenities it will have.

Amenities also play a significant role in the cost of a superyacht.

While some owners prefer to keep their yachts out of the public eye, others have made headlines with their extensive amenities.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, the sky is the limit when it comes to customizing a superyacht.

The more amenities a superyacht has, the more expensive it will be.

Finally, customization is another major factor that will drive up the cost of a superyacht.

Many luxury vessels have custom-designed interiors that are tailored to the owners tastes.

From custom furniture and artwork to lighting and audio systems, the cost of a superyacht can quickly escalate depending on the level of customization.

In short, the cost of a superyacht can vary widely depending on its size, amenities, and customization.

While some may be able to get away with spending a few million dollars, others may end up spending hundreds of millions of dollars on their dream yacht.

No matter what your budget is, its important to do your research and find out exactly what youre getting for your money before signing on the dotted line.

Keeping Superyachts Out of the Public Eye

When it comes to owning a superyacht, some owners prefer to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

Understandably, these individuals are concerned with privacy and discretion, and therefore tend to take measures to ensure their yachts are not visible to outsiders.

For instance, some superyacht owners opt to keep their vessels in private marinas, away from the public areas of larger ports.

Additionally, some yacht owners may choose to hire security guards to patrol and protect their vessels while they are moored or sailing.

In addition to physical security, some superyacht owners also use technology to keep their vessels out of the public eye.

For example, a yacht owner may choose to install a satellite-based communications system that allows them to keep their vessel completely off-radar.

This system works by bouncing signals off satellites rather than transmitting them, making it virtually impossible for anyone to track the yachts movements.

Finally, some superyacht owners also choose to limit the number of people who have access to their vessels.

For instance, the owner may only allow family members and close friends to board the yacht.

Additionally, the owner may choose to employ a limited number of staff to help maintain the vessel and keep it running smoothly.

These individuals may be required to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure they do not disclose any information about the yacht or its owner.

Overall, while some superyacht owners may choose to keep their vessels out of the public eye, there are still plenty of other ways to show off the opulence associated with owning a superyacht.

From swimming pools and helicopter pads to on-board cinemas and spas, there are many luxurious amenities that can make a superyacht the envy of any jet setter.

Final Thoughts

Superyachts are a symbol of luxury and status, and the list of yacht owners reads like a who’s who of billionaires.

From the Emir of Qatar’s world-record breaking $400 million yacht to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s vessel with a helicopter pad and on-board spa, the amenities of these luxury vessels are truly stunning.

With prices ranging from $30 million to over $400 million, owning a superyacht is an expensive endeavor.

Whether you’re looking to purchase one or just curious to learn more about the owners and their amenities, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to stay up to date with the superyacht scene.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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ACE Yacht – Splendid $160 M Superyacht

The ACE yacht was launched by Lürssen in 2012.

The 87m(285.4ft) superyacht is currently for sale at $160,000,000 after being used exclusively by the owner.

The unconventional design of the boat has brought great pleasure to guests and crew alike and features many toys and tenders to make the yachting experience memorable.

The boat has a running cost of $10-$15 million per year and is the 32nd largest boat built by Lürssen.

Ace
87 m (285 ft)
12
28
Lurssen
Winch Design
Winch Design
2012
17 knots
MTU
2,732 ton
US $160 million
US $10 – 15 million
1011537

ACE Yacht.jpg15

ACE yacht interior

The ACE yacht was closely influenced by the requirements of Yuriy Kosiuk to be a family-orientated yacht.

With his guidance, Winch Design took the unconventional designs of the owner to create an interior that aimed at having a good time with family and making life onboard work better.

To achieve this, the traditional layout of a superyacht was reorganized.

Several changes were made, including placing the owner’s suite facing aft and not upfront, allowing the owner privacy and panoramic views of the ocean.

The crew deck was built on the main deck, with sliding doors on the side deck to give them air, create happy working conditions, and attract the best crew.

ACE Yacht.jpg4

The interior includes ten guests in 5 rooms and accommodation for 30 crew. The interior reflects a contemporary grand hotel with a light and fresh feel.

There is a Roman villa-inspired spa on the lower deck, a Russian tearoom, and a nightclub on the upper deck.

The main deck has a gym, and cinema and is large compared to the owner’s deck to allow more space for family fun.

image 16

The exterior features unique sweeping arches that appear wave-like on the haunches of the superstructure.

The superstructure is aluminum, and the hull is steel. ACE is a Lürssen construction designed by Winch Design.

The exterior reflects a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. The arches on the ACE yacht are meant to show the “fantastic power of a wave,” reflecting the passion and enthusiasm of the owner. ACE has several toys to aid in the fun of the family and the guests.

image 17

Specifications

With a length of 87m(285.4ft), the ACE yacht displaces 2732GT. The boat has a beam of 4.5m(47.6ft) and a draft of 3.75m(12.3ft).

Her 2 MTU engines give her a top speed of 16.5kn and a cruising speed of 14kn. The yacht has a range of 6500nm.

The boat features Quantum XT Zero stabilizers that afford a comfortable experience aboard ACE. She was built to Lloyd’s 100A1 specifications. The boat was built in 2012 and refitted in 2018.

ACE Yacht tenders.jpg4

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who owns ace superyacht

Motor Yacht

Ace is a custom motor yacht launched in 2012 by Lurssen Yachts in Rendsburg, Germany and most recently refitted in 2018.

Lürssen has remained a family-run German shipyard since its inception in 1875 and is now in its fourth generation of private ownership. The company was founded by Friedrich Lürssen with a desire to create a leading shipyard in both quality and performance.

Ace measures 85.00 metres in length, with a max draft of 3.85 metres and a beam of 14.44 metres. She has a gross tonnage of 2,732 tonnes. She has a deck material of teak.

Ace has a steel hull with an aluminium superstructure.

Winch Design is an award-winning design studio, established in 1986 as a specialist exterior and interior yacht designer, by Andrew Winch and his wife Jane.

Ace also features naval architecture by Lurssen Yachts.

Performance and Capabilities

Ace has a top speed of 17.00 knots and a cruising speed of 12.00 knots. She is powered by a twin screw propulsion system.

Ace has a fuel capacity of 205,000 litres, and a water capacity of 43,000 litres.

She also has a range of 4,000 nautical miles.

Accommodation

Ace accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. She also houses room for up to 30 crew members.

Other Specifications

Ace is MCA compliant, her hull NB is 13665.

Ace is a Lloyds +100A1, SSC Yacht (P)MONO, G6 class yacht. She flies the flag of the Cayman Islands.

She is also fitted with a jacuzzi (on deck), helicopter landing pad and beauty salon.

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October 12, 2022

Conrad Shipyard Launches C144s ACE

We are delighted to announce the launch of the luxury superyacht ACE, the nation’s new flagship derived from the C144S line. This makes the 44.5-meter bespoke vessel not only the largest motor yacht ever built in the shipyard’s history, but also in Poland.

After two years of fine-tuning, engineering, planning and hard work by many skilled craftsmen at Conrad Shipyard, the 44.5-m superb craft named ACE hits the water for the first time in Gdansk, Poland. Commissioned by a Swiss customer, who was introduced to the shipyard by the Luxury Charter Group, the C144S line’s first hull impresses with its graceful yet sporty and dynamic look.

ACE was ordered in January 2020, and the preparatory work and technical documentation gathering continued until construction of the yacht began in July 2020.

The subject of enormous involvement and the epitome of the custom-build experience, this spectacular vessel benefits from the work of many prominent European companies. The yacht’s exterior came out from the pen of the esteemed British studio Reymond Langton with incredible attention to detail, as well as through fantastic cooperation with the Dutch Diana Yacht Design, responsible for naval architecture and engineering. The interior was designed by the Milan-based company M2 Atelier, composing a truly bespoke décor with an Italian soul. With the shipyard’s in-house team leading the construction, the result is an elegant and timeless design that feels welcoming inside and out

Meeting the highest demands of quality and performance, ACE provides a supreme level of luxury with a custom-tailored interior. She can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests in beautifully appointed five staterooms, including the master suite and cabins for nine crew members. With modern and unique lines, this luxury craft remains timelessly stylish.

Constructed out of steel and aluminum for her hull and superstructure, she is equipped with twin CAT engines. The superyacht will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 13 knots and will have a range of about 4,000 nautical miles when traveling at 10 knots.

ACE marks the first unit from the C144S line, Conrad’s superyachts series, which is characterized by a straight bow that is altogether superb, sleek and sexy. The model is a step up from the Conrad C133 model, whose incarnation is the famous 40-meter Viatoris, winner of the 2019 World Superyacht Award. Hull No. 2 of the C144S line is now under construction with the delivery scheduled for 2023. The following C144S yachts will take about 24 months to build.

After delivery to the client, ACE will make her debut on the international charter market with Luxury Charter Group. Nicola Nicolai Yacht Consulting & Project Management supervised the work on the project on behalf of the client.

The 5 tragic minutes that sank a superyacht

PORTICELLO, Italy — Survivors of a storm that sank a superyacht off Sicily recounted their ordeal to one of the doctors who rushed to their aid, with some saying it took mere minutes for the 180-foot ship to go down. 

Dr. Fabio Genco, head of the Palermo Emergency Medical Services, told NBC News on the phone Thursday that he arrived in the seaside village of Porticello before dawn Monday, about an hour after the $40 million Bayesian sank in the violent and sudden storm.   

Of the 22 people onboard, 15 survived despite storm conditions and darkness, climbing onto a lifeboat before being rescued by a nearby sailboat. The crew members have made no public statements so far, though some have been interviewed by investigators.

“They told me that it was all dark, that the yacht hoisted itself up and then went down,” Genco said, recounting what the survivors told him. “All the objects were falling on them. That’s why I immediately made sure, by asking them questions, if they had any internal injuries,” he said. 

It appears they had just minutes to abandon the sinking ship, Genco said. 

Divers Retrieve Bodies From Tech Tycoon Mike Lynch Yacht Sunk Off Sicily

“They told me that suddenly they found themselves catapulted into the water without even understanding how they had got there,” he said, “And that the whole thing seems to have lasted from 3 to 5 minutes.”

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini Navi, the Bayesian's shipbuilder, told Sky News that there were no flaws with the design or construction of the yacht. He said their structure and keel made boats like that “unsinkable bodies.”

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, he disavowed responsibility, blaming instead the actions of the crew. “Mistakes were made,” he said. 

Genco said one of his colleagues who arrived at the scene before him initially thought that only three people survived, but the coast guard reported there were other survivors and more emergency services were called in. 

When Genco arrived, he found scenes of panic and despair. 

“Unfortunately, we are used to such panic scenes because we are used to the shipwrecks that happen on Lampedusa ,” Genco said, referring to the island southwest of Sicily, where the wreckage of boats carrying migrants on the sea journey from North Africa to Italy are often found . 

Six of the passengers were declared missing Monday, and by Thursday, the bodies of five had been recovered from the wreck , some 160 feet underwater.

Among those who survived is Angela Bacares, wife of the British tech mogul Mike Lynch , whose body was recovered Thursday. 

Divers searching for six missing people following the sinking of a superyacht off Sicily in a storm have found fifth bodies.

Another survivor has been identified as Charlotte Emsley, 35. She told the Italian news agency ANSA that she had momentarily lost hold of her year-old daughter, Sofia, in the water but managed to retrieve her and hold her over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were pulled into safety.

Dr. Domenico Cipolla at the Di Cristina Children’s Hospital in Palermo is also part of a team of medical professionals treating the shipwreck survivors. He told the BBC on Wednesday that Emsley and her daughter, as well as the father of the child, who Cipolla said also survived, are continuing to receive psychological help. 

“Psychological support was constant and is constant even today, because basically it is the wounds of the soul that are the most in need of healing in these cases,” Cipolla said.

Genco also told NBC News that he was especially concerned about the child. “She did not understand anything. She was soaking wet and cold,” he said. 

Karsten Borner, the Dutch captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, a yacht that was anchored near the Bayesian, said by phone Wednesday that he saw a thunderstorm come in at around 4 a.m. local time (10 p.m. ET) Monday, followed by what looked like a waterspout, a type of tornado that forms over water. 

The International Centre for Waterspout Research noted on X that there was a “waterspout outbreak” off Italy on Monday, the day the Bayesian sank. 

All the men missing after a luxury yacht sank off Sicily -- who included UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch -- have been found, a coastguard official told.

“I turned on the engine and made maneuvers so that we wouldn’t collide with the Bayesian, which was anchored about 100 meters from us,” Borner said. “Then all of a sudden it disappeared. Then the wind calmed down, we looked around and saw a red flare.”

Borner said he got into his boat’s tender and saw a life raft with 15 people on it. Members of the crew were administering first aid. 

“I don’t know why it sank so quickly, but it may have something to do with the mast which was incredibly long,” he said. Questions have been raised about whether the mast was to blame for the accident as tall masts, even with the sails down, have more surface area exposed to the wind, which can contribute to tipping a vessel in a storm.

The CCTV footage that emerged Tuesday showed the yacht’s 250-foot mast, believed to be one of the tallest aluminum sailing masts in the world, lashed by the storm as it appears to tilt to one side before disappearing.

Claudia Rizzo is an Italy based journalist.

Claudio Lavanga is Rome-based foreign correspondent for NBC News.

who owns ace superyacht

Yuliya Talmazan is a reporter for NBC News Digital, based in London.

4 bodies found inside the Bayesian, Mike Lynch family yacht, amid search

Four bodies were recovered inside the Bayesian superyacht on Wednesday, more than two days after it sank off the coast of Italy , setting off an exhaustive search for six missing people, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch .

Two of the bodies discovered earlier on Wednesday were brought to shore. One body recovered was a heavily built man, Reuters reported.

Six of the ship's 22 passengers, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, went missing after the yacht plunged under the water just before 5 a.m. on Monday as a storm swept across the area. Americans are among the missing, officials have said.

The U.K.-registered yacht belonged to Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, who was also on board and was rescued. The tech tycoon was recently acquitted on fraud charges after a year under house arrest.

Ricardo Thomas, the ship's cook, was found dead on Monday, according to the coast guard.

The rescue mission saw a diving team, helicopters and multiple coast guard ships deployed to search the water. Fifteen people were pulled from the water on Monday, and eight were hospitalized in stable condition.

A 'black swan event'? Experts puzzle over why Bayesian yacht sank

An investigation opened by local prosecutors into the cause of the disaster is ongoing. Experts have pointed to a water spout, a tornado over the water that can travel up to 120 mph, that formed during the storm, as well as the heavy weight of ship's mast, one of the largest in the world.

The 184-feet-long ship was made by Italian ship manufacturer Perini in 2008.

Lynch set off on the cruise late last month to celebrate his acquittal on fraud charges in the U.S. that marked a decade of legal challenges, the Associated Press reported .

One of his lawyers and a character witness for Lynch during the trial were also on board and vanished when the boat went down. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the four people found.

Here are the passengers who were declared missing.

Mike Lynch and Hannah Lynch

Mike Lynch, 59, is co-founder of Britain’s largest enterprise software, Autonomy, which was sold to Hewlett-Packard in 2011, and founder of venture capital fund Invoke Capital. 

Sometimes known as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” Lynch was slapped with charges after HP said it had uncovered deceit and a major accounting scandal within the firm. He spent a year on house arrest after being extradited from the UK.

In early June, at the end of a 12-week trial, a San Francisco jury acquitted Lynch of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He was also cleared on a charge of securities fraud later that month.

Lynch and Bacares have two daughters and six dogs, all named after engineering parts, according to the U.K.’s Sunday Times in a profile of Lynch from last month.

Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, was also among the missing. She was preparing to study English literature at Oxford University, according to the Sunday Times. 

Hannah is the younger of Mike Lynch’s two daughters, the Times reported . Mike Lynch told the outlet that his daughters had grown up with their father being publicly accused of fraud. 

Jonathan Bloomer and Judy Bloomer

Jonathan Bloomer is the non-executive chairman of both Morgan Stanley International and the insurer Hiscox, among other companies. Bloomer acted as a character witness on Lynch’s behalf during his fraud trial. 

Hiscox Chief Executive Aki Hussain told Reuters in a statement that the firm was deeply shocked and saddened and their thoughts were with all those affected. 

Bloomer’s twin brother, Jeremy, told BBC that he is processing the news and the family is waiting to hear updates.

“He was my elder by half an hour, so, it means a lot when you lose a twin brother,” Jeremy Bloomer told BBC. “We’ll still wait and see, so it’s fingers crossed.”

Jonathan Bloomer’s wife, Judy, is a psychotherapist of nearly three decades and former teacher. She specializes in anxiety and stress. She studied English language and literature at Homerton College in Cambridge.

Christopher Morvillo and Neda Morvillo

A lawyer with Clifford Chance, Chris Morvillo was among the team that represented Mike Lynch during his trial. Morvillo is an American citizen. 

He was an assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York from 1999 to 2005, and he worked on the criminal investigation stemming from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Morvillo was a graduate of Fordham University School of Law and Villanova University. 

Neda Morvillo, his wife, owns a hand-crafted jewelry company under her maiden name, Neda Nassiri. The company’s website said she has been designing and making jewelry for over 20 years.

In a post on LinkedIn after the conclusion of Lynch’s trial, Chris Morvillo acknowledged his family for their support during the case. 

“And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo.  None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home. 

And they all lived happily ever after…."

Contributing: Reuters

Watch CBS News

Body of last victim left missing after tech magnate Mike Lynch's family yacht sank off Sicily is recovered

By Anna Matranga

Updated on: August 23, 2024 / 8:12 AM EDT / CBS News

Divers have recovered the remains of the last person who was left missing when the superyacht Bayesian sank early Monday off the coast of Sicily, the head of the island's Civil Protection agency, Salvo Cocina, told CBS News on Friday. The body has been brought to shore, not been formally identified. 

It is believed to be that of Hannah Lynch, British  tech magnate Mike Lynch 's 18-year-old daughter, according to Italian media. 

Mike Lynch's body was retrieved Thursday from inside the sunken vessel, which was left resting on the seabed at a depth of more than 160 feet, at a 90 degree angle, making rescue efforts complicated and dangerous. 

Shortly after the 184-foot luxury sailing yacht sank, the body of the ship's cook was recovered from the water near the wreck. Divers managed to retrieve four other bodies from the Bayesian on Wednesday, including two Americans.

bayesian-yacht.jpg

With the recovery of the body on Friday, the total number of victims rises to seven, accounting fully for all of those who were on the boat owned by Mike Lynch's wife Angela Bacares. 

Fifteen people survived the sinking, including Bacares. The survivors were found on a life raft by the captain of a boat that had been anchored nearby.

Prosecutors have been questioning survivors and witnesses to determine what could have caused the luxury superyacht, equipped with state-of-the-art safety equipment, to sink within what witnesses said was a matter of minutes during a storm. 

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Lynch’s superyacht sank because of ultra-tall mast, says rescue skipper

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Marianna Giusti and Giuliana Ricozzi in Porticello

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An experienced boat captain whose ship was anchored close to Mike Lynch’s superyacht when it sank in a violent storm off the coast of Sicily on Monday has said the stricken vessel appeared to capsize because of its extremely high mast.

“In my opinion there is something wrong with the stability,” Dutch skipper Karsten Börner told the FT about the sinking of the 540-tonne Bayesian, which caused the deaths of the UK technology entrepreneur and six others, including Lynch’s daughter.

“The centre of gravity is too high with this extreme mast,” said Börner, referring to the tallest aluminium boat mast in the world.

He rejected an initial assessment by the Italian coastguard that Bayesian was “in the wrong spot at the wrong time”. He said: “I was on the same spot. I have two masts and they are 28 and 29 metres above deck, she has one, 73 metres above deck.”

From his own boat, Börner witnessed the loss of Bayesian in the ferocious storm before rescuing 15 survivors from the Lynch family’s yacht.

He said the wind was “violent, very violent” and guessed it reached force 12 on the Beaufort scale — hurricane strength. “It was tonnes of water coming down. I never saw that before, there was a water tornado,” he added.

Schematic showing the scale of the Sailing Yacht Bayesian by comparing it to the size of a London bus

Börner, 69, who has 41 years of industry experience, said the survivors he rescued told him that Bayesian sank in less than two minutes.

Closed-circuit TV footage from the shore shows the yacht, its mast lit up, heeling over in the wind before the image is obscured by rain and the lights disappear.

Börner, who has seen the footage, believes it shows Bayesian capsizing in a matter of seconds.

Giovanni Costantino, chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which owns the yacht’s builder, Perini Navi, previously told the FT that Bayesian “was designed to be absolutely stable” and carry its ultra-tall mast.

He suggested the yacht’s crew had not followed the proper safety procedures. ISG declined to comment on Börner’s conclusions.

Bayesian skipper James Cutfield has not so far commented publicly on the disaster, though he has been interviewed by investigators.

Börner said Bayesian’s crew told him they had “closed the ship”, contradicting ISG’s suggestion that hatches on the yacht had been left open.

He also said that Cutfield, who was among the 15 survivors rescued by Börner’s boat before dawn on Monday, “was completely involved in the rescue”.

Cutfield stayed in Börner’s boat to continue the search for survivors and then transferred to the coastguard.

Sir Robert Baden Powell, the yacht captained by Börner, was anchored close to Bayesian, in what should have been a relatively sheltered anchorage off Porticello, when the storm hit. 

who owns ace superyacht

During the storm, Börner tried to keep his ship in position, starting the engine and keeping his bow into the wind.

Bayesian — with which he repeatedly looked to avoid a possible collision during the storm — was behind them. “[They] did the same, I guess,” Börner said.

At one point, Börner’s passengers alerted him to what they thought was “a structure above the water” close to them.

Borner said he turned and, during a flash of lightning, saw a large triangle. “I think they saw the ship capsize and when I turned around I saw the bow, then it went down,” he added.

A public prosecutor investigating the sinking of Bayesian is probing the potential offence of “negligent shipwreck”, according to an Italian official.

If the British-registered boat, designed by Ron Holland and built in 2008, did capsize, one factor may have been the so-called lifting keel.

According to ISG, when the yacht’s keel is raised to allow it to enter shallow anchorages or harbours, Bayesian can withstand an inclination of up to 73 degrees without capsizing.

When the keel is lowered — the safer position — she can tilt by up to 88 degrees, a nearly flat position with the mast on the water. It is not yet known if the keel was up or down.

Börner said he had noticed the impact of global warming on Mediterranean weather in recent years.

“Now we have Medicanes — hurricanes in the Mediterranean — it’s a new thing,” he said, adding he started noticing an intensifying trend of Mediterranean storms in the past five to 10 years.

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Who Was on the Sunken Yacht? Tech Mogul Mike Lynch, His Family and Friends.

Mr. Lynch, the former chief executive of the software firm Autonomy, who was acquitted on fraud charges in June, was with friends and family when the yacht went down in a severe storm.

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Mike Lynch, in a suit and carrying a leather briefcase, is walking toward a building.

By Michael J. de la Merced

Michael de la Merced reported on Mike Lynch’s career and legal battles over the course of 13 years across two continents.

A cruise on the Mediterranean Sea aboard a superyacht was supposed to be a celebratory event for the British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch , who was acquitted in June of fraud charges tied to the sale of his company, Autonomy, to the tech giant Hewlett-Packard.

Instead, it turned into a disaster after the yacht, a 180-foot boat called the Bayesian, sank off the coast of Sicily in a violent storm. Of the 22 people aboard, 15 were rescued and seven others died . Search operations ended on Friday after the final body was recovered from the site of the sunken yacht .

Here’s what we know about the passengers.

Mike Lynch and his family

Mr. Lynch, 59, is a British software entrepreneur who had once been described as his country’s Bill Gates. He founded the software firm Autonomy, which analyzed clients’ unorganized data, and turned it into one of the most prominent British technology companies of its time. He became a widely known corporate leader, who advised David Cameron, the British prime minister at the time, and joined the board of the BBC.

In 2011, Mr. Lynch sold Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion, which was far above its market value, earning him hundreds of millions. But HP investors almost immediately soured on the transaction, and the American tech giant quickly fired its chief executive — and then Mr. Lynch.

HP later accused Mr. Lynch of misleading it about the state of Autonomy’s business, setting off a decade-long legal ordeal for the British executive, who denied the accusations. U.S. prosecutors charged him and other executives with fraud, and Autonomy’s chief financial officer was convicted in 2018.

Despite appeals to the British government, Mr. Lynch was extradited to the United States last year and was confined to a townhouse in San Francisco ahead of his criminal trial, which began in March. Facing the possibility of decades in prison if convicted, Mr. Lynch and another colleague were instead acquitted of all charges.

An official in Palermo, Sicily’s capital, said on Thursday that Mr. Lynch’s body had been recovered. His wife, Angela Bacares, 57, accompanied him on the yacht, and she was rescued on Monday when it sank. She was a consistent presence at his trial in the United States. Records show that she controlled Revtom, the company listed as the owner of the Bayesian.

The body of Hannah Lynch , Mr. Lynch and Ms. Bacares’s 18-year-old daughter, was thought to be recovered on Friday.

The other guests

Jonathan Bloomer, 70, chair of Morgan Stanley’s international arm and the chairman of Hiscox, an insurance provider that trades on the London Stock Exchange, was on the yacht when it sank, along with his wife, Judy Bloomer, 71. Their bodies are thought to be among those recovered, but Italian authorities have not identified them.

Christopher J. Morvillo, 59, a New York-based partner at the international law firm Clifford Chance, was also on the yacht. A former federal prosecutor who comes from a family of prominent lawyers, Mr. Morvillo represented Mr. Lynch during his criminal trial in San Francisco. His wife, Neda, 57, was with him on the yacht. Their bodies are also assumed to be among those recovered.

“We are in shock and deeply saddened by this tragic incident,” a representative of Clifford Chance said in a statement.

Surviving passengers rescued from the yacht include Charlotte Golunski, a partner at Mr. Lynch’s venture firm, Invoke Capital; Ms. Golunski’s husband, James Emslie; and their one-year-old daughter Sophie. Also rescued were Ayla Ronald, a lawyer at Clifford Chance, and her partner, Matthew Fletcher.

The yacht had a crew of 10, and nine were rescued. The body of the chef, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered from the water, the Sicilian Civil Protection Department said.

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting, and Kitty Bennett and Susan Campbell Beachy contributed research.

Michael J. de la Merced has covered global business and finance news for The Times since 2006. More about Michael J. de la Merced

Who was onboard tech mogul Mike Lynch's Bayesian yacht?

Topic: Disasters, Accidents and Emergency Incidents

Six people are missing, including a man dubbed the British Bill Gates, after a luxury yacht sank off the Sicilian coast.

British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch — freshly acquitted from a decade-long trial — had invited his work colleagues aboard a trip through the Mediterranean coast when a freak storm saw the yacht sink within moments.

Fifteen people escaped from the sinking vessel. The search for the missing continues.

Here's what we know so far: 

What happened?

The Italian coastguard said the yacht — the Bayesian — was anchored off the shore of port city Porticello, near the Sicilian capital Palermo, when it was hit by bad weather sometime after 4am on Monday, local time. 

Eyewitnesses said it vanished quickly beneath the waves shortly before dawn.

Managers of the sailing vessel Bayesian, Camper & Nicholsons, confirmed to the ABC that the Bayesian encountered severe weather and subsequently sank. 

"Our priority is assisting with the ongoing search and providing all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew," they said. 

"The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude," a coastguard official told Reuters.

Sicily's civil protection agency head, Salvo Cocina, said a waterspout — a tornado over the water — could have struck the yacht.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," Mr Cocina added. 

Storms and heavy rainfall had swept down Italy in recent days after weeks of scorching heat, lifting the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea to record levels and raising the risk of extreme weather conditions, experts told Reuters.

"The sea surface temperature around Sicily was around 30 degrees Celsius, which is almost 3 degrees more than normal. This creates an enormous source of energy that contributes to these storms," meteorologist Luca Mercalli said.

A group of rescuers gather around a stretcher

Rescuers recover the body of one of the people aboard the Bayesian.  ( AP: Lucio Ganci )

Captain Karsten Borner of the Sir Robert Baden Powell vessel told journalists he noticed the Bayesian nearby during the storm, but after it calmed he saw a red flare and realised the ship had simply disappeared.

Mr Borner said he and a crew member boarded their tender and found a lifeboat with 15 people, some of them injured, who they then took aboard and alerted the coast guard.

Search crews, including helicopters and divers, are continuing to search the wreckage, lying at a depth of 49 metres.

Specialist divers reached the ship on Monday but access was limited due to objects in the way, the fire brigade said.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch is deploying a team of four inspectors to Italy to conduct a preliminary assessment.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development office said it was "providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families".

Sicilian prosecutors have also opened an investigation into the event. 

Who is missing?

A collage of three men

Lawyer Chris Morvillo (left), entrepreneur Mike Lynch, and Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer are among the missing. 

There were 12 passengers and 10 crew members aboard the yacht. 

Mr Cocina said the crew and passengers hailed from a variety of countries, including Britain, the United States, Antigua, France, Germany, Ireland, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain.

Of the 22, one man is confirmed dead and another six people are still missing. 

They are believed to be inside the hull, fire rescue spokesperson Luca Cari said.

Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman who said he responded to a flare from the vessel but found it sunk, said he stayed at the site for three hours without finding anyone.

"I think they are inside, all the missing people," he said.

Rescue teams recovered the body of the yacht's onboard chef on Monday, identified as Antiguan citizen Ricardo Thomas.

The still missing people include: 

  • Mr Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah 
  • Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of global financial services company Morgan Stanley International
  • Chris Morvillo , a lawyer at the British multinational law firm Clifford Chance. He worked on Mr Lynch's lawsuit against Hewlett-Packard
  • The identities of the remaining two missing are still unconfirmed

Who was rescued? 

Fifteen people escaped from the sinking ship. 

Eight have been hospitalised and others were taken to a nearby hotel.

A picture of a woman inside a plane

Charlotte Golunski was among those rescued, recalling the harrowing moments she held her child Sofia above the waves.  ( Supplied: Facebook  )

Among those rescued were:

  • Mr Lynch's wife, Angela Bacares, who was the owner of the yacht
  • Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter, Sofia. Ms Golunski is a partner at Mr Lynch's firm, Invoke Capital. She says she momentarily lost hold of Sofia in the water but managed to hold her up above the waves until the lifeboat was inflated
  • Ms Golunski's husband James Emslie
  • New Zealand captain of the yacht James Catfield. He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica the crew didn't see the storm coming
  • A lone Dutch citizen was identified by the Dutch foreign ministry as being rescued, but was not identified

Who is Mike Lynch?

Mr Lynch, once hailed as Britain’s king of technology, was recently freed from a Silicon Valley lawsuit that tarnished his legacy. 

The 59-year-old Cambridge-educated mathematician created Autonomy , a search engine that could pore through emails and other internal business documents to help companies find vital information more quickly. 

He received the OBE for his innovation in 2006. 

He then sold the software to Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $US11 billion ($16 billion) in 2011, with Mr Lynch personally netting $US800 million. 

HP valued Autonomy at $US46 billion ($68 billion) in the months leading up to the deal.

A man in a suit smiles

Mike Lynch in 2019 leaving the High Court in London.  ( Reuters: Henry Nicholls/File Photo )

But the deal quickly turned sour after he was accused of forging the software's financial records to make the sale.

As part of a decades-long legal battle against HP, Mr Lynch was extradited to the UK on criminal fraud charges. 

He steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was being made a scapegoat for HP's own bungling. 

He was eventually cleared of all charges in June this year. 

Although he avoided a possible prison sentence, Lynch still faced a bill from a civil case in London that HP mostly won during 2022. Damages haven't been determined in that case, but HP is seeking $US4 billion. 

Following the San Francisco trial, Mr Lynch said he would return to the UK and do what he loved most: "[being with] my family and innovating in my field."

The holiday appeared to be something of a celebration after Mr Lynch's acquittal, with guests including some of the people who had stood by Lynch throughout the ordeal.

Italy Boaters Missing

This picture shows the rescue operations off the Sicilian coast.  ( AP: Italian Coast Guard  )

In a separate act of tragedy, Mr Lynch's co-defendant in the trial, Stephen Chamberlain, died on Monday, after a road accident left him critically injured.

Mr Chamberlain — Autonomy's former vice-president of finance alongside Mr Lynch — was hit by a car in Cambridgeshire on Saturday morning and had been placed on life support. 

What is the Bayesian?

The luxury yacht is 56m long sailboat, with a 75m mast labelled as the tallest aluminium mast in the world.

It was previously named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites and a crew of 10, according to online specialist yacht sites. It was last refitted in 2020.

Online charter sites listed it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $AU 321,000) a week. 

Two boats in the sea

This picture taken on Sunday shows the Bayesian (left) and the Duch sailboat Sir Robert Baden Powell anchored off the coast line.   ( AP: Fabio La Bianca/Baia Santa Nicolicchia )

The ship also won a string of awards for its design. 

Ms Golunski said the yacht had travelled through the Aeolian Islands, Milazzo and Cefalù before sinking. 

It is likely the yacht's name would resonate with Mr Lynch because his PhD thesis and the software that made his fortune was based on Bayesian theory.

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Who was on the Bayesian? How Mike Lynch’s inner circle celebrated end of billionaire’s 13 year court battle

Italian authorities announced a manslaughter investigation had been launched into the deaths of seven people, article bookmarked.

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British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah were among the people initially unaccounted for after his superyacht Bayesian sank in a storm off the coast of Sicily in the early hours of Monday.

On Saturday morning, Italian authorities announced a manslaughter investigation had been launched into the deaths of seven people, after a five-day operation that has seen divers carefully navigating their way into the cabin bedrooms.

After a decade-long legal battle which had seen him extradited to the US to face an $11bn fraud case, Mr Lynch had celebrated by inviting his close friends, colleagues and those who helped him on his legal team aboard his boat as a gesture of gratitude.

Mike Lynch missing

Yet a week of sunshine along the Italian coastline would soon turn to horror after the boat capsized shortly before dawn, only offering those onboard a few minutes to get themselves to safety.

British tech mogul Mike Lynch and his  18-year-old daughter Hannah  were among the seven people who died after the Bayesian  superyacht  sank near Porticello at about 5am local time on Monday.

Mike Lynch yacht sinking latest: Five bodies found in same cabin as manslaughter investigation launched

Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith Bloomer, Clifford Chance lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo also died.

The British-flagged vessel named Bayesian was carrying 12 passengers and 10 members of crew when it sank at around 5am local time near the Sicilian capital of Palermo.

The yacht’s chef, Recaldo Thomas, is already confirmed to have died after his body was recovered from the wreck on Monday, while 15 survivors were rescued.

Here's what we know about the 22 people on board:

Hannah and Mike Lynch

British technology tycoon Mike Lynch had been in the headlines long before the boat incident following being the centre of a high-profile fraud case.

The 59-year-old is known for founding Invoke Capital and Autonomy, and his disappearance comes just weeks after he was cleared of all charges by a US jury related to the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011.

HP claimed, just a year after the sale, that Mr Lynch had used accounting tricks to artificially inflate its value before the sale. He spent 13 months under house arrest before being extradited to the US last May for a trial that acquitted him in June this year on all 15 counts.

Mr Lynch told a Sunday Times journalist last month that he was “about to go on a very long holiday.”

In June, he spoke of his “indescribable relief” at being back at home in Suffolk with his wife, daughters and their six dogs. He told reporters: “I am looking forward to returning to the UK and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field.”

Angela Bacares

Mike Lynch and Angela Bacares

Wife of Mike Lynch, 57-year-old Angela Bacares managed to escape to safety and is in a wheelchair with abrasions on her feet that prevent her from walking, according to la Repubblica.

The newspaper said she told doctors that at 4am, the boat had tilted and she and her husband were woken up.

Under Angela Bacares’ name, the couple’s estimated wealth is £852m, the Sunday Times Rich List revealed in 2023. They have a house in Chelsea, west London, but primarily live on their farm in Suffolk with their six dogs and rare breeds of pigs and cows.

Hannah Lynch

Hannah Lynch

Mr Lynch was travelling with his daughter Hannah, whose body was lifted ashore on Friday afternoon.

The 18-year-old had just completed her A-levels and secured a place to read English at Oxford University. Hannah’s former English teacher Jon Mitropoulos-Monk said she was “one of the best English students in the country” having scored 100% in her English Literature GCSE.

Patrick Jacob, a family friend, paid tribute to her on Friday, saying: “Hannah was charming and ferociously intelligent with an insatiable thirst for life and knowledge. She was also warm, loving and deeply considerate; remarkably for her age. I am 50 years older than her and in my life I have never met anybody like Hannah. We have lost one of our brightest stars whose future held so much promise. Her loss is unbearable.”

Chris Morvillo

Neda Morvillo and Chris Morvillo

Chris Morvillo is a lawyer who represented Mr Lynch in his US trial. He is a partner at the Clifford Chance law firm who confirmed on Tuesday he was among the six missing.

In his most recent LinkedIn post, he thanked the legal team that helped win Mr Lynch’s trial. At the end of the post, he thanked his family for their support: “And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo.

“None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home. And they all lived happily ever after….”

Neda Morvillo

Chris Morvillo’s 57-year-old wife Neda was with him on the holiday. She has a luxury jewellery brand, which she runs under her maiden name Neda Nassiri.

Her husband’s firm Clifford Chance said in a statement: “Our thoughts are with our partner, Christopher Morvillo, and his wife Neda who are among the missing.”

Jonathan Bloomer

Jonathan Bloomer

Another of those confirmed to be dead is lawyer Jonathan Bloomer who is the chairman of investment bank Morgan Stanley International.

He is also chairman of the insurance provider Hiscox, which confirmed he is missing. Its group chief executive Aki Hussain said they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news.

Mr Bloomer was a defence witness for Mr Lynch during his US criminal trial and the pair are believed to be good friends, according to the Financial Times .

Judy Bloomer

Jonathan and Judy Bloomer

Jonathan Bloomer’s wife Judy was also on board the yacht and has been confirmed dead.

Mr Hussain said in his statement: “Our thoughts are with all those affected, in particular our chair, Jonathan Bloomer, and his wife Judy, who are among the missing.”

Mrs Bloomer is on the board of The Eve Appeal charity, which focuses on gynaecological cancers. The charity described her as a “brilliant champion for women’s health and medical research... an incredible supporter, committee member, and trustee of our charity for over 20 years”.

Recaldo Thomas

Recaldo Thomas

Recaldo Thomas was the superyacht ’s chef and the first person whose death was confirmed.

The Canadian-Antiguan national was found by the Italian coastguard near the sunken boat. A friend of Mr Thomas, who asked to remain anonymous, said the yachting community has been saddened by his death.

She told The Independent: “He was a one-of-a-kind special human being. Incredibly talented, contagious smile and laugh, an incredible voice with a deep love of the ocean and the moon. I spoke to him nearly every day. He loved his life his friends and his job.”

Ayla Ronald

Ayla Ronald

Ayla Ronald and her partner are two of the 15 who survived the yacht disaster, law firm Clifford Chance confirmed.

The 36-year-old worked defended Mr Lynch in court and was on the trip as part of the celebration for his acquittal.

Clifford Chance said in a statement: “Our utmost priority is providing support to the family as well as our colleague Ayla Ronald, who together with her partner, thankfully survived the incident.”

She is originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, but lives in London, her father Lin Ronald told The Telegraph, saying she was “very shaken.”

Mr Ronald said that she was “invited to go sailing as a result of the success in the recent United States court case”.

Ayla’s partner Matthew also survived the boat disaster. There is little more known about his background or condition.

Charlotte Golunski

Charlotte Golunsky’s face covered by an officer from the British embassy as she leaves hospital in Italy

Charlotte Golunski’s testimony of the ordeal on the ship were some of the first to be published after she was rescued along with her one-year-old daughter, Sofia.

She spoke to Italian newspaper La Repubblica , confirming she survived the yacht sinking and told how she kept her daughter alive after she was rescued. She said: “I held her afloat with all my strength, my arms stretched upwards to keep her from drowning. It was all dark. In the water I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I screamed for help but all I could hear around me was the screams of others.”

The 35-year-old is a partner at Invoke Capital, one of Mr Lynch’s law firms, and has worked there since 2012, according to her LinkedIn profile.

James Emsley

Ms Golunksi’s partner James Emsley was also rescued from the yacht, according to Sicily’s civil protection agency. There is little information on him, but it has been confirmed the 36-year-old is the father of her one-year-old daughter.

One-year-old Sofia was rescued from the water by her mother and subsequently looked after in hospital.

Ms Golunski told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that her family survived only because they were on deck when the yacht sank after encountering a heavy storm.

Dr Domenico Cipolla told local media that the family have had a “physical and psychological upheaval of their lives.”

He said the hospital provided “toys for the baby, cuddles, and fed them because they were frightened and hungry”.

The family of three left the Di Cristina Children’s Hospital in a black van on Tuesday via a back entrance today. They were accompanied by an officer from the British embassy, who covered the family’s faces with a jacket to hide them from a huddle of photographers.

James Catfield

The captain of the superyacht James Catfield survived the horror and broke his silence on Tuesday with just five words.

He said: “We didn’t see it coming” and was described as “limp” as he waited outside an emergency room in the Sicilian town of Termini Imerese, according to local media.

The Italian coastguard confirmed on Tuesday evening that Leo Eppel, a crew member, also survived the yacht sinking.

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who owns ace superyacht

85m Lürssen yacht Eye (ex Ace) transformed after multi-year rebuild

The 85-metre Lürssen superyacht Eye (ex Ace ) has been photographed for the first time in the Port of Gibraltar following a multi-year rebuild that has left her unrecognisable.

The superyacht checked into refit repair yard MB92 in spring 2022, likely following her sale to a new owner. She was renamed Eye in January 2024 and emerged from the yard just last month. 

Details of the rebuild have been kept tightly under wraps, but recent sightings confirm a complete exterior overhaul – including the removal of her trademark superstructure arches and "eye" balconies.

Eye was delivered by the German yard in 2012. The yacht is known to accommodate 10 guests across five cabins, with each cabin decorated with different themes including Art Deco, classical, contemporary nautical and French Provençal. The master cabin sits on the main deck aft and benefits from a private terrace.

Onboard highlights include a cinema and a gym on the main deck, while a library with a fireplace, a piano and a games table can be found on the upper deck. However, the extent of the work done on Eye 's interiors is yet to be revealed.

This follows the 91.5-metre Oceanco Tranquility 's light refit at MB92 last year .

The three-month stint left her in good condition for the most recent summer charter season and included a number of cosmetic upgrades.

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COMMENTS

  1. Ace (yacht)

    Ace. (yacht) Eye, formerly known as Ace is a 87 m (285 ft) yacht built by Lürssen. [3] She was delivered to her owner Yuriy Kosiuk in July 2012. The yacht accommodates 10 guests and 28 crew members. Her exterior and interior were both created by Andrew Winch Designs. One of ACE's interior features is the spa.

  2. YURIY KOSIUK • Net Worth $1 billion • Yacht • House

    He was the owner of the luxury yacht Ace, built by Lurssen in 2012. But it looks like he sold the yacht, as she now has a new legal owning entity. The yacht is now named EYE.. Powered by twin MTU engines, Yacht Ace can reach a top speed of 17 knots and cruises comfortably at 11 knots.With a range of at least 4,500 nautical miles, the superyacht is perfect for long-distance voyages.

  3. ACE Yacht • Yuriy Kosiuk $160M Superyacht

    The stunning Yacht Ace, delivered in 2012 by Lurssen, is a masterpiece of exceptional engineering and design, offering an unparalleled yachting experience with luxurious features and amenities. Powered by twin MTU engines, Yacht Ace has a top speed of 17 knots and cruises comfortably at 11 knots. Its design ensures durability and elegance for ...

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  5. On board Conrad's flagship superyacht Ace

    Inside Ace, Poland's largest superyacht. An international team collaborated on the build of Conrad Shipyard's Ace but, as the largest superyacht to emerge from the country, she's really Poland's triumph. Cecile Gauert discovers how it came up trumps. It's December and the Old Town of Gdańsk in Poland is filled with weekend visitors as the ...

  6. ACE Yacht

    The ACE yacht was launched by Lürssen in 2012. The 87m (285.4ft) superyacht is currently for sale at $160,000,000 after being used exclusively by the owner. The unconventional design of the boat has brought great pleasure to guests and crew alike and features many toys and tenders to make the yachting experience memorable.

  7. Yacht Ace Is Just the Beginning for Conrad Shipyard: Megayacht News

    The yacht Ace, which made her global debut at the warm and sunny 2023 Monaco Yacht Show, where we got aboard, is the latest step in the Gdansk-based builder's quest to be more competitive among top superyacht builders. Conrad Shipyard has been staking its claim over the past 20 years.

  8. ACE yacht (Conrad, 44.27m, 2022)

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  9. EYE Yacht • Lurssen $160M Superyacht • 2012

    The EYE Yacht, formerly known as Ace, is a magnificent 87-meter (285ft) masterpiece in engineering and design, delivered by the acclaimed shipbuilder Lurssen in 2012.This extraordinary motor yacht offers an unmatched yachting experience with its lavish features and amenities. Key Takeaways. The stunning EYE Yacht, originally delivered in 2012 by Lurssen as Ace, is a testament to exceptional ...

  10. 85.0m Ace Superyacht

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  12. A nation's flagship is born: Conrad launches 44m superyacht Ace

    A nation's flagship is born: Conrad launches 44m superyacht Ace. Written by Alexander Griffiths. Wed, 12 Oct 2022 | 15:00. Loading... Conrad Yachts has launched the first unit from its C144S line, Ace, Poland's largest superyacht to date.

  13. Ace: On board the 85m Lürssen superyacht for sale

    Ace: On board the 85m Lürssen superyacht for sale. 16 July 2021 • Written by Caroline White. A bold owner defied convention to create Ace, an 85-metre Lürssen that tailors onboard experience to family life - with no compromises. With her interiors revealed for the first time, Caroline White steps on board this superyacht to discover just ...

  14. ACE Yacht

    ACE is a motor yacht with an overall length of m. The yacht's builder is Conrad Yachts from Poland, who launched ACE in 2023. The superyacht has a beam of m, a draught of m and a volume of . GT.. ACE features exterior design by Reymond Langton Design Ltd. and interior design by m2atelier. Up to 10 guests can be accommodated on board the superyacht, ACE, and she also has accommodation for 9 ...

  15. Conrad Shipyard Launches C144s ACE

    The superyacht will be capable of reaching speeds of up to 13 knots and will have a range of about 4,000 nautical miles when traveling at 10 knots. ACE marks the first unit from the C144S line, Conrad's superyachts series, which is characterized by a straight bow that is altogether superb, sleek and sexy.

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  23. Who is the owner of the yacht EYE?

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  30. 85m Lürssen yacht Eye (ex Ace) transformed after multi-year rebuild

    The 85-metre Lürssen superyacht Eye (ex Ace) has been photographed for the first time in the Port of Gibraltar following a multi-year rebuild that has left her unrecognisable.. The superyacht checked into refit repair yard MB92 in spring 2022, likely following her sale to a new owner. She was renamed Eye in January 2024 and emerged from the yard just last month.