Superyacht sinking: Jonathan and Judy Bloomer ‘inspiration to many’, says family after couple confirmed dead

The family of Jonathan and Judy Bloomer have described them as “incredible people and an inspiration to many” following their deaths in the sinking of a luxury yacht in Sicily.

The Morgan Stanley International bank chairman, 70, and his wife were confirmed dead after five bodies were found by divers on Wednesday – taking the number of confirmed dead to six.

The pair were on the trip with British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch to celebrate his court victory back in June.

“We are grieving for our loved ones and all of those affected by the tragedy. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the emergency services and everyone who helped tirelessly in this rescue operation,” the family said in a statement on Thursday.

Superyacht sinks latest: Five bodies identified

“Our parents were incredible people and an inspiration to many, but first and foremost they were focused on and loved their family and spending time with their new grandchildren. Together for five decades, our only comfort is that they are still together now.

“This is an unimaginable grief to shoulder. Our only ask is that our family’s privacy is respected at this time.”

Mr Bloomer was serving as chairman of both Morgan Stanley and insurance group Hiscox at the point of his death.

The City veteran was said to have interests in sailing, rugby and music, and was also a member of the finance committee of UK children’s charity NSPCC.

He was married to Ms Bloomer, a trustee and long-time supporter of gynaecological cancer research charity the Eve Appeal.

Chris and Neda Morvillo’s death an ‘enormous loss’

A statement from the families of Chris and Neda Morvillo, who also died in the sinking of the yacht, described them as “devoted, loving parents” whose death had been an “enormous loss”.

“We are completely devastated by the passing of Chris and Neda, and our collective hearts go out to all the families who have also been affected by this senseless tragedy,” the statement said.

While they were “widely respected for their professional successes”, their “true talents” were “that of mother and father, son and daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt and dear friends to so many.

“Neda and Chris lived their lives as devoted, loving parents who always put their daughters and families first.

“Their passing is a tremendous loss for our family and for the countless people who knew and loved them both.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Italian rescue services for their unwavering dedication and to Clifford Chance for all the support they have provided.”

A partner at the law firm Clifford Chance, Mr Morvillo had been part of Mr Lynch’s legal team.

‘Friend and mentor to many’

Ted Pick, chief executive of Morgan Stanley, paid tribute to Mr Bloomer and sent his “deepest condolences” to all those affected by the tragedy.

“Jonathan’s leadership and experience helped the firm manage a period of complex change for our international businesses,” Mr Pick said.

“He has been a friend and mentor to many and we will all greatly miss his wise counsel and spirit of kindness.”

Aki Hussain, chief executive of insurance group Hiscox, added: “It was a privilege to have known Jonathan and to have benefited from his generosity and wisdom over the last year in his role as chair of Hiscox.

“His deep experience across our industry and in the broader business arena, combined with his personal values, made him both an excellent chair and a person I was proud to know and work with.

Meanwhile, Investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown – where Mr Bloomer was a former board director – described him as a “giant in financial services”.

Read more:
Why search of superyacht wreck has been so difficult
The ‘alarming’ potential cause of superyacht disaster

“His advice and support were immensely valuable to me, and he will be dearly missed.”

The yacht – known as the Bayesian – sank early Monday morning after a storm hit the region.

The wreckage is now on the seabed at a depth of around 50m (164ft) off Porticello near Palermo, where it had been anchored.

👉 Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈

Mr Lynch, 59, was also among the dead, but his 18-year-old daughter Hannah remains missing.

Twenty-two people were on board the vessel, 15 of whom were rescued – including Mr Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares and Briton Charlotte Golunski and her one-year-old daughter Sofia.

Speaking to Sky News, one of Mr Lynch’s neighbours has described him as “generous, humble and full of integrity”.

Ruth Leigh lived next door to Mr Lynch and his wife in Suffolk for 15 years.

She described them as “fantastic neighbours” and said the tech tycoon “never played on his position” and was “very friendly and down-to-earth” despite his fortune.