Wreaths laid in memory of twin tragedies

Wednesday 14 December 2022

Wreaths have been laid this morning in tribute to the islanders who died in Jersey's recent twin tragedies.

In a short official ceremony, the Chief Minister Deputy Kristine Moore, and the Government's Chief Executive, Suzanne Wylie, laid their wreaths on the steps in Ordnance Yard, which has been chosen for its location close to Saturday's explosion at Haut du Mont flats on Pier Road.

That explosion - thought to be linked to a gas leak - is now confirmed to have taken the lives of at least eight islanders. In total, nine local residents currently remain unaccounted for. 

It came just 48 hours after the fishing trawler, L'Ecume II, sank in St. Ouen's Bay after colliding with the Commodore Goodwill. Police confirmed that two bodies have so far been found close to the wreck, with a third still missing. 

Deputy Moore and Mrs Wylie laid the wreaths on behalf of all the island's public service employees.

Pictured: the tributes and wreaths laid on the steps in Ordnance Yard.

Mrs Wylie said that many colleagues had wanted the government to make an official gesture by way of contribution to the shrine of floral tributes that has built up in recent days.

She said: "Many people in public service have been deeply affected by these events and this is a way of expressing our sympathy."

The Chief Executive said that she had been astounded by the reaction from her colleagues and the wider Island.

"To have two tragedies so close to each other has deeply affected the community and I have been so impressed by the reaction," she said.

Mrs Wylie also acknowledged that it was important to be mindful of the impact on public sector employees.

She said that efforts were being made to provide additional resources in order to support those who had been involved in responding to the two events.

Pictured Top: Suzanne Wylie and Deputy Moore lay their wreaths. 

Credit: Rob Currie / JEP.