Preparations to raise L'Ecume II trawler wreck

Friday 07 April 2023

The area where L'Ecume II collided with a Condor ferry in December - leading to the loss of three fishermen - has been marked in preparation for the trawler to be lifted.

Southampton-based Willsupply recently left Jersey waters after positioning four anchors next to the wreck site of the fishing vessel, which sank following a collision with the Commodore Goodwill on Thursday 8 December.

Two bodies were recovered from the wreck and identified as crewmen Jervis Ramirez Baligat and Larry Simyunn from the Philippines, but the third person on board – skipper Michael 'Mick' Michieli – has not been found.

In February, it was announced that a decision had been taken to raise the wreck for both "evidential gain and for humanitarian reasons".

He explained that lifting the vessel from the seabed would allow it to be inspected, and would also help to 'conclusively' determine whether the body of its skipper was trapped aboard.

Pictured: Jervis Baligat, Mick Michieli and Larry Simyunn were all aboard the L'Ecume II when it sank - Mr Michieli has never been found.

The maritime exclusion zone will remain in force in the area until the recovery operations are completed.

The wreck is due to be raised by the end of this month – subject to an appropriate weather window and the acquisition of specialist equipment – before being taken to a secure location for forensic examination as part of the States police investigation.

The anchors have been marked with yellow can buoys (pictured top), which have reflective tape and will flash red once every two seconds.

They have been positioned within the 250m exclusion zone that covers the wreck.

In a notice to mariners, Harbourmaster Bill Sadler said: "Mariners are advised that the exclusion zone remains in force and to keep clear of the wreck site at all times.

"This notice will remain in effect until the wreck recovery operations are complete."