‘All possible rescue activities have now been exhausted’
THE search for three missing fishermen from a Jersey fishing boat was scaled back at sunset last night, with no news on the men.
Jersey Coastguard has been coordinating the search after Commodore Goodwill and fishing boat L’Ecume II collided off Jersey at about 5.30am on Thursday.
The wreckage of the boat has been found, but there has been no news on the fishermen.
Searchers were combing the water from sunrise to sunset yesterday.
However, after careful analysis of the findings, the search and rescue phase of the operation drew to a close last night, a Jersey Coastguard spokesman said.
‘All possible rescue activities will have been exhausted in an effort to find the three missing fishermen,’ he said.
‘We are aware that this is very difficult for friends and family of the men, and we extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragic incident.’
Ports of Jersey has commissioned a large offshore support vessel, with a remotely operated underwater craft, which is due to arrive in the island early next week, to conduct a more detailed survey of the collision site. This will help inform the recovery phase of the operation.
It has been reported in Jersey that the trawler was skippered by Michael Michieli, and two Filipino crew members were also on board.
An investigation has been commissioned by the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture.
Maritime Standards, part of Ports of Jersey, are leading that investigation with support from the States of Jersey Police.
A parallel safety-focused investigation is being run by the flag state for the Commodore Goodwill – Bahamas Maritime Authority – in collaboration with Jersey, as the Coastal State party.
Condor Ferries’ CEO John Napton was notified that the search was stopping.
‘All at Condor are deeply saddened by this latest news and our sympathies are with the families, friends and loved ones of the fishermen at this extremely difficult time,’ he said.
‘We continue to engage and comply with the authorities in the ongoing investigation into this tragic incident.’
The Goodwill sailed to St Helier following the accident, with large scratches on her bow. It is unclear how long she will be out of service. Its freight sailing for early this morning was again cancelled.
Condor has stated that conventional ferry the Clipper and chartered cargo vessel the Arrow had enough capacity to cope on their own.
However the Clipper has seen some disruption, with today’s sailing cancelled due to service delays and a long tidal closure in Jersey. Affected passengers have been moved to tomorrow’s sailing.
Guernsey Coastguard has asked the public who find any wreckage which might be related to Thursday’s incident off of Jersey’s west coast to contact Guernsey Coastguard on 720672.
