Family of ‘British Bill Gates’ releases statement after bodies recovered from Sicily sunken yacht disaster

Mike Lynch’s family have said they are ‘devastated’ and issued thank yous to those involved in recovering his body.

Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter, Hannah were onboard the doomed Bayesian superyacht which sunk due to a storm in Siciliy on August 19.

Lynch's body has been identified, while the final body discovered in the wreckage is believed to be his daughter Hannah.

The discovery comes as unconfirmed reports in the Italian media have said that prosecutors are set to announce a manslaughter investigation into the incident.

The Lynch family have since issued a statement.

The family said: “The Lynch family is devastated, in shock and is being comforted and supported by family and friends.

“Their thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy. They would like to sincerely thank the Italian coastguard, emergency services and all those who helped in the rescue.

“Their one request now is that their privacy be respected at this time of unspeakable grief.”

Mike Lynch and his daughter's death has now been confirmed.(Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

There were a total of people on the ship including 12 passengers and 10 crew ahead of the ship capsizing. 15 of those were rescued using lifeboats, while others initially were deemed missing.

Initial reports indicated that those missing included technology tycoon Mike Lynch; his 18-year-old daughter Hannah; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer; his wife Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo; and his wife Neda Morvillo.

Divers had been entering the water with torches attached to their headgear at the site of the shipwreck on Wednesday afternoon and have since confirmed that all those missing have been accounted for.

Five bodies have already been brought to shore in the small fishing village of Porticello, around 11 miles from the Sicilian capital of Palermo.

One body recovered at the scene on Monday was identified as Canadian-Antiguan national Recaldo Thomas, who'd been employed as a chef on the yacht.

A rescue mission has taken place this week. (ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Gareth Williams, a friend of the chef, told the BBC: “I can talk for everyone that knew him when I say he was a well-loved, kind human being with a calm spirit.”

Meanwhile, Vincenzo Zagarola, the Italian coastguard, spoke to the media about the whereabouts of the missing individuals.

He told the PA news agency: “We think they are still inside the boat, that is our very hard idea. Of course, we do not exclude that they are not inside the boat, but we know the boat sank quickly.

“We suppose that the six people missing may not have had time to get out of the boat.”