The inquests of a Suffolk tech tycoon and his daughter, who died in Italy in August, will be opened today.

Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah went missing after the Bayesian luxury yacht they were staying on sank off the coast of Sicily during a freak storm off the Italian village of Porticello on August 19.

Seven lives were claimed in total, with 18-year-old Hannah Lynch being the last person unaccounted for. The body of her 59-year-old father, who lived near Wickham Market, was discovered a few days earlier.

In a statement shared by the family, a spokesperson 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.”

Mr Lynch is survived by wife Angela Bacares - who was rescued from the disaster - and their 21-year-old daughter.

According to a recently-published court listing, the inquests of both Dr and Miss Lynch will be formally opened at Suffolk Coroners’ Court in Ipswich on Friday.

Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, 70, and his 71-year-old wife Judy Bloomer, who also died in the tragedy, will have their inquests opened too.