Mike Lynch's older daughter pays tribute to her 'little angel sister' after the tragic sinking of her yacht

The older sister of Mike Lynch's 18-year-old daughter Hannah has paid tribute to her “little angel” after it was confirmed that she died alongside her father when a luxury yacht sank.

Mr Lynch and Hannah were among seven people who died when the Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily early on Monday morning.

The 59-year-old technology magnate was founder of software giant Autonomy and was acquitted in June of massive fraud charges related to the $11 billion (£8.64 billion) sale of the company to US group Hewlett Packard.

Hannah Lynch's sister Esme described her as “the most amazing, supportive and cheerful sister.”

In her tribute, she said: “Hannah often came into my bedroom and lay next to me. Sometimes smiling brightly, sometimes cheeky, sometimes asking for advice. No matter what happened, she showed me boundless love.

“She was infinitely caring, passionately crazy, unintentionally funny and to me the most amazing, supportive and cheerful sister and best friend.

“And beyond that, she had even more love to give endlessly to her friends and passion to put into her incredible studies and goals.

“She is my little angel, my star.”

A spokesman for the Lynch family said on Friday: “The Lynch family is devastated, in shock and 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 in the rescue.

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

Mr Lynch's 18-year-old daughter Hannah had recently graduated from high school and was due to study at Oxford University.

Jon Mitropoulos-Monk, head of English at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith, said of his former student: “I have never taught anyone who combined such tremendous intellectual ability with warmth and enthusiasm as Hannah.”

“She lit up the classroom with her energy, passion for learning, and sheer intelligence (though never with a hint of arrogance).”

“I will remember her for what she taught me: kindness, compassion and commitment,” he added.

Hannah's friend Katya Lewis also paid tribute to her, saying: “Being with Hannah has made me complete and happy.

“She had a warm and beautiful soul.

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

Patrick Jacob, a family friend, said the teenager was “charming and incredibly intelligent with an unquenchable thirst for life and knowledge.”

“We have lost one of our brightest stars, whose future was so promising,” he added.

“Their loss is unbearable.”

Gracie Lea, a classmate from school, added that the 18-year-old was “sincere, dedicated, extremely intelligent and really kind.”

His close friend and colleague Andrew Kanter described Mr Lynch as “instantly inspiring” and said “he will be greatly missed”.

In his eulogy, Mr Kanter said: “Mike was the most brilliant and caring person I have ever known.

“For nearly a quarter of a century, I have had the privilege of working with someone who has an unparalleled 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.

“His passion for life, his knowledge and his fellow human beings was an immediate inspiration to everyone he met. We will miss him very much.”

Family friend Albert Read said: “I have never met anyone like Mike – a sharp intellect, a force that would change the world around him.

“An instinct for family and friends – he organises treasure hunts for children and large gatherings of neighbours in Suffolk – and, together with Angela, a determination to introduce his two beloved daughters to the world of art and science.

“Warm, funny, brilliant, loyal and extraordinarily brave, with a heart as big as his brain.”

It was also confirmed that Morgan Stanley International Bank CEO Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judy Bloomer, Clifford Chance attorney Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo died after the ship sank.

Sushovan Hussain, a close friend of Lynch and former chief financial officer of Autonomy, said he was “completely devastated” by the “tragic” incident.

“My wife and I are deeply saddened by the deaths of so many of our dear friends. Words cannot express our grief,” he said.

“I have known Mike for over 40 years, since our high 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 taken away on the brink of death is unbelievably cruel. Our hearts bleed for Angela and her remaining daughter.”

Mr Hussain also paid tribute to Stephen Chamberlain, Lynch's co-defendant in the US fraud trial, who died in a car crash on Saturday.

He said: “Steve was by my side for many years and I was honored to call him, Jonathan, Judy and Chris my good friends.

“It's really impossible to understand how they could all be gone in such a short time. It's tragic beyond words.”

The Bayesian was anchored about half a mile off the coast of Porticello when she sank during a storm in the area.

The wreck of the Bayesian lies off the coast at a depth of 50 meters on the seabed.

A helicopter, remotely operated underwater vehicles, naval units and cave divers were used in the search.

The last body, believed to be Lynch's daughter, was recovered on Friday.

Poppy Gustafsson, CEO of cybersecurity company Darktrace, also paid tribute to Mr Lynch, who co-founded the company.

She said: “Without Mike, there would be no Darktrace. We owe him so much.”

“Mike was unwaveringly focused in everything he did. He was binary: There was no half Mike. His intelligence was to me what a galaxy is to a planet. That intelligence was intimidating.”

She added: “I am grateful to Mike for his support of me and Darktrace, which continued long after he left. He leaves a tremendous legacy for us, but also for the wider UK technology ecosystem.”

Referring to the recent court case in the US in which Mr Lynch and his co-defendant Mr Chamberlain were recently acquitted of fraud and conspiracy charges, she said: 'At a time when both Mike and Steve have only recently been acquitted, this feels too cruel.

“But it is also a great relief to know that they died and the world knew of their innocence.”