HANNAH Lynch’s heartbroken family have released new pictures of her and dad Mike after the final body was recovered from the Bayesian superyacht.
Tributes were paid to the young woman as an exceptional student and beloved friend after the horror sinking of the £14million vessel off the coast of Sicily.
Family HandoutHannah and Mike are both believed to have died on the Bayesian superyacht[/caption]
FAMILY HANDOUT Glowing tributes were paid to Mike Lynch’s teenage daughter Hannah[/caption]
EPAThe Bayesian superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily[/caption]
Mike, Hannah and four of their pals – Jonathan and Judy Bloomer & Chris and Neda Morvillo – all died when the yacht was dragged beneath the waves in a freak storm on Monday.
Divers mounted a five-day search operation which today ended in tragedy when Hannah – the final victim – was recovered this afternoon.
Questions are now being asked how a modern superyacht like the Bayesian – a type of vessel described as “unsinkable” – could be swamped and capsize while anchored so close to the shore.
The heartbroken family and their friends have since released tributes to both Hannah and Mike, a tech mogul known as the UK’s Bill Gates.
In a statement, a spokesman for the Lynches 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.”
Katya Lewis, Hannah’s friend, said: “The love Hannah had for everything she held dear was passionate and pure.
“She had a warm and beautiful soul. Being with Hannah made me feel whole and happy.
“She is the most special friend anyone could ask for and I will always love Hannah.”
Hannah was an outstanding student at Latymer Upper School in West London – regularly winning academic prizes.
She had just won a place at the University of Oxford to study English after just receiving her A-level results last Thursday.
The teen had scored 100% on her English Literature GCSE.
Jon Mitropoulos-Monk, head of English, 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 Latymer Upper English Department to thank them individually and give them a hug.
“She achieved everything she did with extraordinary levels of grace and fortitude that few others can say they possess.
“I taught Hannah for four years. I will remember her for what she taught me: kindness, compassion and commitment.”
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, dedicated, fiercely intelligent and genuinely kind. I’ll always remember her smiling.”
Patrick Jacob, a family friend said: “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.”
Andrew Kanter, close friend and colleague, said: “Mike was the most brilliant mind and caring person I have ever known. Over nearly a quarter century I had the privilege of working beside someone unrivalled in their understanding of technology and business.
“There is simply no other UK technology entrepreneur of our generation who has had such an impact on so many people.”
Sushovan Hussain, 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 hole in my life.
We have known Hannah since her birth, and for her to be taken on the precipice of her life is cruel beyond belief. Our hearts bleed for Angela & her remaining daughter.
Steve was by my side for many years, and I had the honour of calling him, Jonathan, Judy and Chris my good friends.
“It is truly impossible to fathom how they can all be gone over such a short period.”
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