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Shaw and Clinton Claim PFA Women’s Player and Young Player of the Year Awards

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LONDON — Khadija Shaw of Manchester City has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) women’s player of the year, while Grace Clinton of Manchester United claimed the young player of the year award for the 2023-24 season.

Shaw, a 27-year-old forward from Jamaica, topped the Women’s Super League (WSL) scoring charts with an impressive 21 goals in 18 games. Her outstanding performance helped Manchester City challenge for the title, ultimately finishing second to Chelsea on goal difference after an injury curtailed Shaw’s season.

Upon receiving the award, Shaw expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am both happy and proud to have received this award – to be recognized in such a way by my peers is a very special honor.” She added, “I also want to thank my teammates and the entire coaching staff because without them this would not be possible.”

This marks Shaw’s first PFA award, adding to her collection of accolades for the 2023-24 season, which includes the WSL player of the year and player of the year at the Women’s Football Awards.

The Jamaican international faced stiff competition for the award, beating out Manchester City teammates Yui Hasegawa and Lauren Hemp, as well as Chelsea trio Erin Cuthbert, Lauren James, and Niamh Charles.

In the young player category, 21-year-old Grace Clinton of Manchester United secured the award following an impressive season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. Clinton contributed four goals and four assists during her loan spell, performances which earned her first caps for the England national team.

Clinton’s victory came against strong competition, including last year’s winner Lauren James of Chelsea, who scored 13 goals in 16 games to help her team clinch the WSL title. Other nominees for the young player award included Manchester City’s Khiara Keating, Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones, Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier, and Manchester City’s Jess Park.

The WSL team of the year, as voted by the players, reflected Manchester City’s strong season with six players included:

Goalkeeper: Khiara Keating (Manchester City)

Defenders: Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Grace Clinton (Tottenham Hotspur, on loan from Manchester United)

Forwards: Khadija Shaw (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)

League champions Chelsea saw three players make the team: Niamh Charles, Erin Cuthbert, and Lauren James. Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy rounded out the defensive line, while young player of the year Grace Clinton represented Tottenham in the midfield.

This year’s awards highlight the continued growth and competitiveness of women’s football in England. Shaw’s domination of the scoring charts and City’s strong representation in the team of the year underline their challenge to Chelsea’s recent WSL supremacy. Meanwhile, Clinton’s emergence signals the ongoing development of young talent in the league.

The recognition of these players not only celebrates their individual achievements but also reflects the increasing quality and depth of the Women’s Super League as it continues to attract and develop world-class talent.

In the men’s categories, Manchester City’s Phil Foden won the player of the year award, while Chelsea’s Cole Palmer was named young player of the year, completing a sweep of the top individual honors for Manchester City across both the men’s and women’s games.

Foden and Palmer Claim PFA Player and Young Player of the Year Awards

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LONDON  — Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) men’s player of the year, while Chelsea winger Cole Palmer claimed the young player of the year award. This marks the first time since the 2009-10 season that both men’s awards have gone to English players.

Foden, 23, expressed his gratitude for the honor, saying, “To win this award is something very special and it is one that I am very proud of and grateful for. To be recognized this way by your fellow professionals means everything and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.”

The Stockport-born playmaker scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 season, helping Manchester City secure their fourth consecutive league title. At 23, Foden became the youngest player to have won six Premier League titles. This accolade adds to his already impressive collection, which includes the 2023-24 Premier League player of the season award and the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) footballer of the year.

Foden’s victory came against stiff competition, including his City teammates Erling Haaland (last year’s winner) and Rodri, as well as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

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Cole Palmer, 22, may have missed out on the main award but secured the young player of the year honor after an outstanding debut season with Chelsea. The winger netted 22 goals in 34 Premier League appearances, earning him a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024, where he scored in the final against Spain.

Palmer edged out Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, former Crystal Palace player Michael Olise, and Brighton’s Joao Pedro for the young player award.

In the women’s categories, Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw was named player of the year, while Manchester United’s Grace Clinton took home the young player of the year award.

Palmer

The PFA Premier League team of the year, as voted for by players, reflects the dominance of Manchester City and Arsenal in the 2023-24 season. The champions, Manchester City, are represented by Kyle Walker, Rodri, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden. Arsenal, who pushed City close in the title race, see David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard included.

Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins round out the team, providing representation for clubs outside the top two.

The full PFA Premier League team of the year is as follows:

Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)

Defenders: William Saliba (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Gabriel (Arsenal), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

This year’s awards highlight the continued excellence of established stars like Foden and the emergence of young talents like Palmer. The dominance of Manchester City and Arsenal players in the team of the year underscores their strong performances throughout the season, setting the stage for what promises to be another competitive Premier League campaign in the coming year.

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Body Recovered from Sicilian Coast Believed to be Luxury Yacht’s Chef, Recaldo Thomas, as Search Continues

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PALERMO, Sicily  — Italian authorities have recovered a body near the site where a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily, believed to be that of Recaldo Thomas, the Canadian-Antiguan chef who was among 22 people aboard the ill-fated vessel.

The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged superyacht, capsized approximately 700 meters (2,300 feet) from Porticello, east of Sicily’s capital Palermo, early Monday morning during a violent storm. Of the 22 people on board, 15 survived the incident, leaving six passengers still unaccounted for.

Gareth Williams, a friend of Thomas, described the chef as well-loved and kind, possessing “the deepest, most sultry voice in the world, and a smile that lit up the room.” Williams told the BBC’s Insaf Abbas that he had known Thomas for 30 years, having grown up together in Antigua.

“He told me just the other day that he needed to work two more seasons to fix up his late parents’ house. He loved yachting, but he was tired,” Williams said, providing insight into Thomas’s recent state of mind.

Another friend, Eli Fuller, highlighted Thomas’s role as a community figure. “Personality was very important in his job. The world’s richest people want to hang out with someone social. He was sought after,” Fuller said. He added, “The kids would see all these white people working on yachts. For them to see an Antiguan man travelling all over the world – it was important for our community.”

As recovery efforts continue, divers are struggling to reach the cabins of the sunken vessel in their search for six missing passengers. Among those unaccounted for are British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer.

The Italian coastguard reported Tuesday afternoon that their search was ongoing, with divers working to safely enter the wreckage. Marco Tilotta, a member of the diving team, told Reuters that accessing the yacht has been challenging due to the Bayesian’s hull being tilted at a 90-degree angle on the seafloor.

“We are not stopping,” Tilotta stated. “We have resources, manpower and means. Our goal is to find all the people who are missing, so that is our job.”

The extreme depth of the wreck, approximately 50 meters (164 feet) below the surface, severely limits divers’ operational time. They can only spend around 12 minutes underwater, leaving just 10 minutes for actual search operations once they reach the wreckage.

To bolster the search efforts, the coastguard has deployed five patrol boats, at least two helicopters, and a remotely operated underwater vehicle. Specialist divers trained to operate in confined spaces have been flown in from Rome and Sardinia to assist with the complex operation.

British investigators arrived in Italy on Tuesday to assess the circumstances surrounding the yacht’s sinking. Initial reports suggest that the Bayesian may have been struck by a waterspout, a tornado-like phenomenon over water, causing it to capsize rapidly. Additional factors under investigation include the possibility of the boat’s mast snapping and water entering through hatches that may have been open due to hot temperatures.

Among the survivors was a British mother who described the harrowing experience of holding her baby girl above the sea’s surface to prevent her from drowning, underscoring the dramatic nature of the incident.

As the search continues, the international yachting community and the families of those still missing anxiously await further news. The incident has highlighted the potential dangers faced even by well-equipped luxury vessels in unpredictable weather conditions, prompting discussions about maritime safety protocols and emergency preparedness in the yachting industry.

Taliban ‘Reforms’ Lead to Destruction of 21,000 Musical Instruments in Afghanistan

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KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice announced Tuesday that it has “seized and destroyed” more than 21,000 musical instruments over the past year as part of a broader crackdown on what it deems anti-Islamic practices in Afghanistan.

The announcement came during a news conference in Kabul, where ministry officials discussed their “annual performance.” This briefing followed a public burning of hundreds of musical instruments in the northern Parwan province on Monday, where local moral police urged residents to refrain from using musical instruments at weddings and other celebrations.

Ministry officials claimed to have destroyed thousands of “immoral films” and blocked many more “from use on personal computers” nationwide, describing these actions as part of ongoing “societal reforms.”

The nature of these films was not elaborated upon. The ministry also stated that it had “successfully implemented 90% of reforms across audio, visual, and print media” in Afghanistan, though specifics were not provided.

These actions have raised concerns among free media advocacy groups and local journalists, who report that Taliban leaders have significantly curtailed press freedom and access to information since taking control of the country three years ago.

The Ministry of Vice and Virtue, revived by the Taliban to police public morality, has introduced strict guidelines for local media professionals. These include requiring female presenters and guests to comply with an “Islamic” dress code on air, leaving only their eyes visible. Women are now prohibited from working on national radio and television stations, and dramas featuring female performers are banned.

In addition to media restrictions, the Taliban has enforced strict “gender-based segregation” in workplaces across the country. The morality ministry also reported dismissing more than 280 security force members for failing to grow beards, which is mandated by the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law.

On Tuesday, Hibatullah Akhundzada, the reclusive Taliban supreme leader, convened a meeting of governors from all 34 Afghan provinces in the southern city of Kandahar. According to his spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, Akhundzada instructed the governors to “uphold sound Islamic governance” and to “strengthen the Islamic framework, enforce Sharia law, and reinvigorate divine ordinances.”

Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the minister of vice and virtue, was quoted by state media on Monday as saying, “We are determined to implement Islamic Sharia and no one’s pressure is acceptable in this regard.”

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported last month that the Taliban’s morality police were contributing to “a climate of fear and intimidation” among the Afghan people.

UNAMA identified the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice as the leading violator of human rights within the Taliban government, which remains unrecognized by any country.

These developments highlight the ongoing tension between the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law and international concerns about human rights and cultural freedoms in Afghanistan.

As the Taliban continues to implement its vision of governance, the international community watches closely, with many expressing alarm over the erosion of personal freedoms and cultural expression in the country.

The destruction of musical instruments, in particular, has drawn criticism from cultural preservation advocates who argue that music is an integral part of Afghan cultural heritage. The Taliban’s actions against music and other forms of artistic expression raise questions about the long-term impact on Afghan culture and society.

As Afghanistan grapples with economic challenges and international isolation, the Taliban’s focus on these “societal reforms” continues to shape the country’s domestic and international standing, with significant implications for its people and its relationship with the global community.

Panama Deports 29 Colombians on First US-Funded Flight, Signaling New Migration Strategy

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PANAMA CITY — The Panamanian government deported 29 Colombian nationals on Tuesday in what officials describe as the first flight funded by the United States under an agreement signed in July. This move marks a significant shift in Panama’s approach to managing the increasing flow of migrants through the treacherous Darien Gap.

The deportees had entered Panama illegally through the Darien jungle, a perilous route that saw over 500,000 migrants pass through in 2023, predominantly Venezuelans.

The deportation flight, while focused on Colombian nationals, underscores the complex web of migration patterns and diplomatic relationships in the region.

Panama’s newly inaugurated President José Raúl Mulino, who took office on July 1, has pledged to stem the tide of migration through the country, a goal that aligns with U.S. interests in the region. Initially, Mulino had described these flights as “voluntary” repatriations. However, officials clarified that the individuals deported on Tuesday had criminal records, suggesting a more targeted approach to deportations.

Roger Mojico, director of Panama’s National Immigration Service, told reporters that the government is in discussions with other countries, including Ecuador and India, about coordinating similar repatriation flights. This initiative indicates Panama’s intention to broaden its deportation efforts beyond South American nationals.

The focus on Colombian deportees highlights a notable limitation in Panama’s current migration strategy. Despite the large number of Venezuelan migrants passing through the country, Panama is currently unable to deport Venezuelan nationals due to strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

This tension stems from Panama’s refusal, along with most other countries in the region, to recognize the results of Venezuela’s recent election that granted President Nicolas Maduro another term in office. As a result, diplomatic relations between Panama and Venezuela have been suspended.

The Darien Gap, a stretch of jungle connecting Colombia and Panama, has become a crucial, if dangerous, transit point for migrants heading north towards the United States. The region’s challenging terrain and lack of infrastructure make it a perilous journey for migrants, many of whom are fleeing economic hardship or political instability in their home countries.

The US-funded deportation flight represents a new phase in regional cooperation on migration issues. It reflects growing concerns among Central American countries and the United States about the increasing number of migrants moving through the region. The agreement between Panama and the U.S. to fund these flights suggests a more active role for the U.S. in shaping migration policies in Central America.

Human rights organizations and migration advocates are likely to scrutinize this new approach closely. Concerns may arise about the treatment of deportees, the criteria used for selecting individuals for deportation, and the broader implications for asylum seekers and refugees in the region.

As Panama continues to implement this new strategy, several questions remain about how the inability to deport Venezuelan nationals will affect Panama’s overall migration management plans, what criteria will be used to determine which migrants are subject to deportation, and how this policy will impact Panama’s relationships with neighboring countries and the broader international community.

The deportation flight marks a significant moment in Panama’s evolving approach to migration management. As the country balances domestic concerns, international agreements, and humanitarian obligations, the effectiveness and impact of this new strategy will be closely watched by governments, NGOs, and migrants throughout the Americas.

Taliban Morality Police Dismiss Beardless Officers, Detain Thousands for ‘Immoral Acts’

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KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban’s Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and Propagation of Virtue announced Tuesday that it has dismissed more than 280 members of the security forces for failing to grow beards, while detaining over 13,000 people for alleged “immoral acts” in Afghanistan over the past year.

Mohibullah Mokhlis, Director of Planning and Legislation at the ministry, provided these figures during a press conference detailing the ministry’s annual operations update.

According to Mokhlis, approximately half of those detained were released after 24 hours. The ministry did not provide a breakdown of the alleged offenses or the gender of the detainees.

In its efforts to enforce what it considers Islamic law and Afghan customs, the ministry reported the destruction of 21,328 musical instruments over the past year and the prevention of thousands of computer operators from selling “immoral and unethical” films in markets.

The morality ministry, which took over the premises of the disbanded women’s ministry in Kabul after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, has faced criticism from human rights organizations and the United Nations for imposing restrictions on women and limiting freedom of expression.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has reported instances of morality ministry officials stopping and detaining women, sometimes for hours, for not meeting their interpretation of Islamic dress. The Taliban has dismissed these allegations as “baseless,” insisting that their rules apply their interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan customs.

While the ministry did not provide specific figures related to the policing of women’s attire or their travel without a male guardian (which is now prohibited for longer distances), Mokhlis announced that a new plan is being developed to ensure compliance with Islamic dress rules. This plan will be overseen by the Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader, who is based in the southern city of Kandahar.

“Based on the guidance of the Supreme Leader, the draft plan for observing women’s hijab (Islamic dress) has been formulated and approved,” Mokhlis stated.

The ministry has previously declared that women should cover their faces or wear an all-enveloping burqa. They have indicated that enforcement would involve “encouragement,” with women’s male family members being targeted rather than women directly.

Prior to the Taliban takeover, most Afghan women in the conservative country covered their hair in public. However, some, especially in Kabul, did not typically cover their faces or wear a burqa.

The ministry also reported preventing just over 200 cases of the sale of women and more than 2,600 cases of violence against women. However, without further context or independent verification, it’s unclear how these figures compare to previous years or to incidents that may go unreported under the current regime.

These actions and policies continue to raise concerns among international observers and human rights organizations about the state of personal freedoms and women’s rights in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

The group’s interpretation and enforcement of Islamic law have led to significant changes in Afghan society since their return to power, particularly affecting women’s access to education, employment, and public life.

As the Taliban government continues to implement its vision for Afghan society, the international community watches closely, with many countries and organizations calling for the protection of human rights and individual freedoms in the country.

King Charles Visits Southport to Honor Stabbing Victims, Calls for Unity

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Britain's King Charles views tributes outside Southport Town Hall, during his visit to meet with members of the local community, following the July 29 attack at a childrens' dance party, in Southport, Britain, on August 20, 2024. Alice Da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe were all murdered during the July 29 knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party that also left another 10 people injured. PAUL ELLIS/Pool via REUTERS

SOUTHPORT, England — King Charles III traveled to the northern England town of Southport on Tuesday to pay tribute to the victims and families affected by a mass stabbing last month that triggered riots and racist attacks targeting Muslims and migrants.

The royal visit comes in the wake of a July 29 incident where three young girls were killed and others wounded during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The tragedy was compounded by subsequent unrest fueled by online misinformation falsely claiming the attack had been perpetrated by an Islamist migrant.

During his visit, the monarch met with surviving children and their families, offering condolences and support.

He later held meetings with representatives from local emergency services and community groups who responded to both the initial attack and the ensuing riots.

In a poignant moment, King Charles paused to view floral tributes and toys left in memory of the victims. The gathered crowd responded with cheers and applause, underscoring the community’s appreciation for the royal presence during this difficult time.

Law enforcement officials have charged a 17-year-old male, reportedly born in Britain, with three counts of murder, ten counts of attempted murder, and one count of possession of a bladed article in connection with the attack.

The King took the opportunity to praise the community’s spirit, compassion, and resilience in the face of both the tragedy and the subsequent unrest.

He expressed hope that mutual respect and understanding would continue to unite the nation, emphasizing the importance of community cohesion in challenging times.

This visit aligns with King Charles’ long-standing commitment to supporting young people and communities affected by violence and unrest. In the 1970s, he established the Prince’s Trust, a charity that has since helped a million young individuals find employment or create community projects.

The Trust has been active in areas impacted by riots and social upheaval over the years and continues to operate in locations affected by the recent unrest, even after Charles’ ascension to the throne.

The Southport tragedy and its aftermath have sparked broader discussions about the dangers of online misinformation and its potential to incite violence. Local authorities and community leaders have been working to counter false narratives and promote accurate information to prevent further incidents of misdirected anger and violence.

During his interactions with community members, King Charles reportedly emphasized the need for unity and fact-checking in the age of rapid information spread. His visit is seen as part of a wider effort to heal community divisions and support those directly impacted by the violence.

The royal visit to Southport serves as a reminder of the monarchy’s role in times of national tragedy, offering solace to those affected and highlighting the strength found in community solidarity. As the town continues to grapple with the aftermath of the attack and subsequent unrest, King Charles’ presence underscores the importance of coming together in the face of adversity and misinformation.

Local officials expressed gratitude for the King’s visit, noting that it provides a significant boost to morale and reinforces the message of unity and resilience. As Southport works to recover and rebuild community trust, the royal attention brings national focus to the challenges faced by the town and the ongoing efforts to promote healing and understanding.

Tech Magnate Mike Lynch, Daughter Among Six Missing After Luxury Yacht Sinks Off Sicily

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PALERMO, Sicily  — Rescue divers continued their search Tuesday for six missing people, including British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his daughter, after a luxury yacht sank off Sicily’s coast during a violent storm early Monday morning.

The British-flagged Bayesian, a 56-meter-long (184-ft) superyacht, was anchored off the port of Porticello when it was struck by an intense pre-dawn storm. Witnesses reported the vessel disappeared beneath the waves within minutes, puzzling naval experts who noted that a yacht of the Bayesian’s size should typically remain afloat for hours even when taking on water.

Of the 22 people aboard, 15 managed to escape before the yacht capsized. One fatality was quickly confirmed, with the body of Ricardo Thomas, the Antiguan onboard chef, recovered shortly after the incident. The remaining six passengers unaccounted for are Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah; Jonathan Bloomer, non-executive chair of Morgan Stanley International, and his wife Judy; and Chris Morvillo, lawyer at Clifford Chance, and his wife Neda.

Salvatore Cocina, head of civil protection in Sicily, expressed grim expectations for the search. “The fear is that the bodies got trapped inside the vessel,” he said.

The yacht now rests at a depth of 49 meters (160 feet), presenting significant challenges for the rescue operation. Divers are limited to 8-10 minutes at the wreck site before needing to resurface due to the depth. Fire brigade spokesman Luca Cari highlighted the difficulties in accessing the yacht’s interior, citing confined spaces and obstacles complicating forward movement.

Mike Lynch

Fire department diver Marco Tilotta reported that the boat appears intact and is lying on its right side. Divers have not yet determined if the 72-metre-long mast snapped during the storm.

Karsten Borner, skipper of a nearby boat, recounted the Bayesian’s rapid sinking. He said the yacht flipped on its side soon after the storm hit and submerged within two minutes, leaving little time for those below deck to escape.

The incident has drawn international attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved. Mike Lynch, often referred to as Britain’s Bill Gates, founded Autonomy, once the UK’s largest software firm. He recently made headlines after being acquitted in June by a San Francisco jury in a fraud case related to Hewlett-Packard’s $11 billion acquisition of Autonomy in 2011.

Chris Morvillo represented Lynch in the case, while Jonathan Bloomer had appeared as a character witness on Lynch’s behalf. In an extraordinary coincidence, Stephen Chamberlain, Lynch’s co-defendant in the trial, died in a road accident in Britain over the weekend.

The Bayesian was owned by Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who survived the disaster. The British government’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch has dispatched four inspectors to Sicily to conduct a “preliminary assessment” of the incident.

Experts suggest that early investigations will focus on whether the yacht’s crew had properly secured access hatches before the storm and if appropriate measures were taken given the weather forecasts. Borner noted that while thunderstorms had been predicted, there was no indication they would be particularly severe.

The rapid sinking of such a large yacht has raised concerns within the maritime industry. One unnamed superyacht expert in Britain expressed disbelief, noting that the volume of water needed to sink the Bayesian was enormous, given the compartments designed to prevent such catastrophes.

Meteorologist Luca Mercalli highlighted the potential role of climate change in the incident, noting significantly higher than normal sea surface temperatures around Sicily.

As the search continues and investigations begin, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel, even for the most luxurious vessels, and raises questions about maritime safety in the face of increasingly extreme weather events.

Divers Struggle to Access Sunken Yacht Off Sicily Coast as Search for Missing Continues

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PALERMO, Sicily  — Rescue divers resumed their search Tuesday morning for six passengers still missing after the British-flagged yacht Bayesian sank in a violent storm off the northern coast of Sicily. The ongoing operation faces significant challenges as divers struggle to navigate the cluttered wreckage of the 183-foot vessel.

The disaster, which occurred early Monday morning about half a mile from the Sicilian fishing village of Porticello, has claimed at least one life. The body of the yacht’s chef was recovered during initial efforts. Fifteen people have been rescued, but several high-profile individuals remain unaccounted for.

Among the missing are:

– British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his teenage daughter, Hannah

– Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy

– Attorney Chris Morvillo, a partner at Clifford Chance in New York, and his wife, Neda

Lynch, recently acquitted of fraud charges in the United States related to the 2011 sale of Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard, was reportedly celebrating his legal victory on the yacht owned by a company controlled by his wife, Angela Bacares.

Luca Cari, a spokesman for the fire rescue service, told The Washington Post that divers resumed work around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday but have encountered significant obstacles. “Tables and chairs were blocking entrances, and cables and wires were forming a sort of mesh,” Cari explained. “At the moment we are working on land to plan for an intervention and above all to create new openings.”

While divers have found “no indication” that any of the missing people are on the ship, Cari said one “operational hypothesis” is that individuals may still be inside their cabins, given the early-morning timing of the sinking.

The Bayesian encountered rough weather at about 5 a.m. Monday, with passengers reporting lightning, thunder, and violent waves. Pietro Asciutto, a local fisherman, described the scene to the Italian news agency ANSA: “It was floating, still, then suddenly vanished. I saw it sink with my own eyes.”

Charlotte Golunski, one of the survivors, recounted her harrowing experience to Italian media. “For two seconds I lost my baby in the sea,” she told Giornale di Sicilia, referring to her 1-year-old daughter, Sophie. “Then I immediately hugged her again amid the fury of the waves.”

Golunski and her partner, James Emslie, were guests of Lynch on the yacht. She described the chaotic moments in the water to La Repubblica: “It was all dark. In the water I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I screamed for help, but all I could hear around me was the screams of the others.” Eventually, Golunski, Sophie, Emslie, and eight others managed to board an inflatable lifeboat.

The Sir Robert, a Dutch-flagged sailing vessel anchored nearby, responded immediately to assist survivors before the Italian coast guard arrived on the scene.

British authorities are expected to deploy a team of four inspectors to conduct a preliminary assessment of the disaster. A spokesperson for the British foreign ministry stated, “We are providing consular support to a number of British nationals and their families following an incident in Sicily, and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Angela Bacares, Lynch’s wife and the owner of the Bayesian through her company Revtom, was among the 15 survivors, according to a source speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the business and legal communities. Clifford Chance, the law firm where Chris Morvillo is a partner, released a statement expressing their shock and sadness. The firm also confirmed that their senior associate, Ayla Ronald, survived the incident along with her partner.

Morgan Stanley International and Hiscox, where Jonathan Bloomer holds leadership positions, also issued statements of concern for their missing executives.

Three teams of divers, including two from Italy’s coast guard and one from the fire brigade, are involved in the ongoing search-and-rescue operation. The yacht sank to a depth of more than 160 feet, complicating recovery efforts.

The Bayesian, built in 2008 by Italian shipmaker Perini Navi, was considered a luxury vessel. As the search continues, authorities are working to determine the cause of the sinking and to recover any remaining survivors or victims.

The incident highlights the potential dangers of seafaring, even for well-equipped luxury vessels, and has drawn international attention due to the high-profile nature of the passengers involved.

Trump Considers Ending EV Tax Credit, Open to Naming Musk as Adviser

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YORK, Pa.  — Former President Donald Trump, in a wide-ranging interview with Reuters on Monday, outlined potential economic and technology policies he would pursue if re-elected, including ending electric vehicle tax credits and naming Tesla CEO Elon Musk to an advisory role.

Speaking after a campaign event in York, Pennsylvania, Trump expressed skepticism about the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicle purchases. “Tax credits and tax incentives are not generally a very good thing,” Trump said when asked about the EV credit.

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The former president, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential race, did not commit to a final decision on the tax credit. “I’m not making any final decisions on it,” Trump stated. “I’m a big fan of electric cars, but I’m a fan of gasoline-propelled cars, and also hybrids and whatever else happens to come along.”

Trump’s stance on EV tax credits marks a potential reversal of current policies. If elected, he could take steps to overturn Treasury Department rules that have expanded automakers’ ability to utilize the $7,500 credit. Alternatively, he could ask Congress to repeal the credit entirely. During his previous term, Trump had sought to eliminate the EV tax credit, which was later expanded under President Joe Biden’s administration in 2022.

The former president also expressed openness to naming Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, to a cabinet or advisory position. “He’s a very smart guy. I certainly would, if he would do it, I certainly would. He’s a brilliant guy,” Trump said. Musk publicly endorsed Trump for the presidency last month. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s statement.

Regarding the auto industry, Trump outlined plans to discourage vehicle exports from Mexico to the United States by imposing new tariffs. He aims to prevent Chinese automakers from building new plants in Mexico for U.S. market vehicles, reiterating similar threats made during his presidency.

“If you put tariffs on those cars, they’re going to make it here,” Trump asserted. “It’s very simple. It’s not complicated. If you tell Mexico, ‘look, you’re stealing our car industry,’ which they’re doing now.”

However, Trump expressed openness to foreign automakers, including Chinese companies, building vehicles within the United States. “We’re going to give incentives, and if China and other countries want to come here and sell the cars, they’re going to build plants here, and they’re going to hire our workers,” he explained. “We will make our own cars. I want to make our own cars.”

On technology issues, Trump harshly criticized Alphabet’s Google but did not specify whether he believed the company should be broken up following a recent court ruling that Google maintained an illegal monopoly. “They’re almost like the Wild West,” Trump said, without elaborating on potential penalties. “They’re going to have to pay a great price.”

Regarding TikTok, Trump reiterated his stance against banning the short video app, despite a law approved in April that sets a January 19, 2025 deadline for Chinese owner ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. assets. When asked about continued Chinese ownership of TikTok, Trump did not directly answer but suggested ByteDance might sell.

“It’s very hard to ban something like that, because you’re talking about free speech,” Trump said. “You’re talking about a lot of different things go into that equation, but TikTok has treated me very well.”

Trump’s comments come as he continues to lead in polls for the Republican presidential nomination, despite facing multiple legal challenges. His policy proposals signal potential significant shifts in U.S. economic and technology policies if he were to win a second term in office.

As the 2024 presidential race continues to take shape, Trump’s statements on these issues are likely to be closely scrutinized by voters, industry leaders, and policy experts for their potential impact on the U.S. economy and international trade relations.

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