L'Ecume II: Freja Finishes Search Operation With Skipper Still Missing

Wednesday, 28 December 2022 14:25

Search vessel MV Freja has finished her search and recovery operation, which began on 11 December.

The search has seen an unmanned underwater robot search wreckage of the sunken fishing trawler and surrounding seabed 'extensively’.

The vessel - with three onboard - sunk following a collision with the Commodore Goodwill on the morning of 8 December.

Freja located the bodies of the two Filipino crewmen Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat. They were brought ashore on 14 December and their identities confirmed on Boxing Day.

Skipper of L'Ecume II, Michael (Mick) Michieli is still missing.

"With the conclusion of the MV Freja’s work, we have reached the conclusion of this part of the search and recovery operation and it is now time to assess the next steps." - Deputy Kirsten Morel, Deputy Chief Minister.

While officials consider what to do next, the exclusion zone around the initial collision site off Jersey’s west coast will remain in place.

Meanwhile, Jersey Police will lead an independent investigation supported by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency Enforcement Team.

This will look at whether criminal charges should be brought.

Deputy Morel says ‘additional resources’ will are be brought in as the force is stretched as it is also investigating the Haut Du Mont explosion.

We’re told a senior investigator to the maritime incident will be appointed shortly.

A maritime safety investigation will also continue by Ports of Jersey, Maritime Standards and the Bahama's Maritime Authority - as that is the Commodore Goodwill's flag state.

Deputy Morel says that this investigation will help determine the facts of what happened.

"My priorities are ensuring that the families and communities continue to be supported, the facts are established and any necessary action taken, to ensure an incident like this does not happen again."