Mourning for Hannah Lynch: Family releases heartbreaking pictures after teenager's body recovered from wreckage

HANNAH Lynch's heartbroken family have released new pictures of the teenager and her father Mike after her body was recovered from the wreckage of the Bayesian superyacht.

The young woman was honored as an exceptional student and beloved friend after horror Sinking of the £14 million ship off the coast of Sicily.

8

8

8

8

Mike, Hannah and four of their friends – Jonathan and Judy Bloomer and Chris and Neda Morvillo – died along with chef Ricardo Thomas when the yacht sank in a violent storm on Monday.

Divers launched a five-day search and rescue operation that ended in tragedy today when Hannah – the last victim – was recovered from the wreckage about 50 meters below sea level.

The question now arises as to how a modern superyacht like the Bayesian – a type of vessel considered “unsinkable” – could fill up with water and capsize while anchored so close to shore.

Mike and Hannah's heartbroken family friends have since posted their condolences for the father and daughter, who were on the yacht together to celebrate his victory in a high-profile court case in the US.

Hannah was an outstanding student at Latymer Upper School in west London, regularly winning academic prizes.

She had just won a place to study English at Oxford University after receiving her A-level results the previous Thursday.

The teenager had achieved 100% in her GCSE English Literature exam.

And by now Mike was one of Britain’s biggest technology magnates – known as the “Bill Gates” of Britain.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Lynch family said: “The Lynch family is devastated, in shock and is receiving comfort and support from family and friends.”

“Their thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy.

“They would like to sincerely thank the Italian Coast Guard, the emergency services and everyone who helped with the rescue.”

“Her only request now is that her privacy be respected during this time of unspeakable grief.”

Mike's wife Angela Bacares was able to escape from the wreckage and is reportedly in a “state of shock.”

To escape, she had to walk across glass after being awakened by the ship “tilting” before she and 14 other survivors climbed into a lifeboat.

Hannah's friend Katya Lewis said: “The love Hannah felt for everything she held dear was passionate and pure.

“She had a warm and beautiful soul. Being with Hannah gave me a feeling of completeness and happiness.

“She is the most special friend anyone could ask for and I will always love Hannah.”

Jon Mitropoulos-Monk, head of English at Latymer Upper School, said: “She was so excited to start studying English at Oxford, a goal she had worked so hard towards.”

“When she got her place, she sought out every single member of the English department at Latymer Upper School to thank and hug them individually.

“Everything she accomplished, she accomplished with an extraordinary grace and strength that few others can claim.

“I taught Hannah for four years. I will remember her for what she taught me: kindness, compassion and commitment.”

8

8

8

Gracie Lea, one of Hannah's classmates, said, “When I think of Hannah, I think of poetry, sunshine and her beautiful eyes.

“She was easy to love: sincere, devoted, extremely intelligent and truly kind. I will always remember her smile.”

Patrick Jacob, a family friend, said: “Hannah was charming and incredibly intelligent and had an insatiable thirst for life and knowledge. She was also warm, loving and extremely considerate, which is remarkable for her age.”

“I am 50 years older than her and have never met anyone like Hannah in my life.”

“We have lost one of our brightest stars, whose Future was so promising. Her loss is unbearable.”

Andrew Kanter, close friend and colleague, said: “Mike was the most brilliant mind and caring person I have ever known. For nearly a quarter of a century, I had the privilege of working with someone who was as innovative as he was in his understanding of technology And Business.

“There is simply no other British technology entrepreneur of our generation who has had such an impact on so many people.”

Sushovan Hussain, a close friend and colleague, said: “I have known Mike for over 40 years, since our school days, and for most of that time our lives have been inextricably linked.

I was thrilled when he was acquitted, and now his departure leaves an unfillable void in my life.

We have known Hannah since she was born, and the fact that she was captured on the brink of her life is unbelievably cruel. Our Hearts bleed for Angela and her remaining daughter.

Steve was by my side for many years and I had the honor of calling him, Jonathan, Judy and Chris my good friends.

“It's really impossible to understand how they could all have disappeared in such a short time.”

8