A luxury superyacht sailboat carrying foreign tourists has capsized and sunk off Sicily in bad weather.

One body was found, six people were missing and 15 people were rescued, authorities said.

The British-flagged, 56-metre Bayesian had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, representing British, American and Canadian nationalities, the Italian coast guard said.

Fifteen people were rescued initially and taken to shore at Porticello, where eight were in the hospital.

One body was found near the wreck but six others were unaccounted for, said Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service.

Desperately sorry to hear of the capsizing of the Bayesian – a heartbreaking incident.

My thoughts are with all the families of those lost at sea, and those recovering following the rescue operation, I’m sure the foreign office will be providing consular support to British…

— Alicia Kearns MP (@aliciakearns) August 19, 2024

A helicopter and rescue boats from the coast guard, carabinieri, fire rescue and civil protection service were at the scene searching for the missing and had found the wreck at a depth of 50 metres.

The boat capsized early on Monday off the port of Porticello.

Experienced deep-water divers were arriving at the scene to try to enter the hull, he said.

Those who had not been rescued included one member of the crew and six passengers, the coast guard said.

Local media said a fierce storm, including water spouts, had battered the area overnight but skies were clear and seas calm by Monday morning.

The ANSA news agency said the yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, had been moored off the port at Porticello.