Body Recovered Near Sunken Yacht Believed to Be Chef Recaldo Thomas

A body recovered near the site of the sunken luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily is believed to be that of Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian-Antiguan chef who was aboard the vessel. Friends and colleagues have been paying heartfelt tributes to Thomas, remembering him as a beloved and kind individual with a warm, calming presence.

Gareth Williams, a long-time friend from Antigua, where Recaldo spent much of his time during the off-season, spoke fondly of him. “I can speak for everyone who knew him when I say he was a well-loved, kind human being with a calm spirit,” Williams shared. The two had known each other for 30 years, growing up together in Antigua. Recalling their friendship, Williams added, “He would come over to mine over the weekend and sing. He had the deepest, most sultry voice in the world, and a smile that lit up the room.”

Thomas had recently confided in Williams that he needed to work two more seasons to complete renovations on his late parents’ house. While he loved his work in yachting, he had expressed feeling tired.

Eli Fuller, another friend who met Thomas about 25 years ago in Antigua, described him as a social and positive person who connected with everyone he met. “He knew everybody and was friends with everybody. He’d always ask how you were doing, how your family was—he was always positive,” Fuller said.

Thomas was also seen as an inspiration to young black children in Antigua, particularly those interested in yachting. “The kids would see all these white people working on yachts. For them to see an Antiguan man traveling all over the world—it was important for our community,” Fuller added.

Recaldo Thomas’s tragic passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his legacy as a talented chef and a positive, inspiring figure will undoubtedly endure.