Fisherman Michael Michieli was one of three on board L’Ecume II as it collided with the 126m Commodore Goodwill en route from Guernsey on Thursday morning. His two crew, both from the Philippines, were named yesterday as Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat.
Among the first to donate will be Richard Davy, who set up a JustGiving page on Saturday night and has since raised more than £2,000.
Islanders – many of whom have changed their social media profile pictures to a Jersey flag and broken heart to symbolise their grief – have also been showing their support to both those affected by the double tragedy, and the emergency responders, in other ways.
Pictured: Many islanders have paid tribute by changing their profile picture on social media to depict the Jersey flag and a broken heart.
Many have shared offers of food, clothing, toiletries, furniture, smartphones and Christmas gifts among other items on a dedicated Facebook group called ‘Support for the Pier Road Residents’.
Set up by Emma Thomson, the group now has more than 3,000 members and aims to provide a “central point” for islanders to list items they have available to offer as donations to support those affected by the tragedy.
One member of the group is Jayne Gruchy, owner of the Hooray Henri’s café on Green Street slip.
She opened early over the weekend to offer emergency service workers some respite and a free hot drink and bacon roll.
“I bought my kiosk in June and at the same time I went through a big upheaval in my life. I could not have managed without the support of my friends and the Havre des Pas Community, so I wanted to give something back the only way I know how – by feeding people! It has always been my way of showing love,” Jayne said.
Pictured: Jayne Gruchy, owner of the Hooray Henri’s café on Green Street slip.
“The response was amazing and I had numerous visits from the Police and Honoraries. I received so much gratitude, hugs and love which was incredibly humbling as all [colleague] Ella and I were doing were serving coffee, tea and creating bacon and sausage baps.
“We just wanted to show our total gratitude for the work our amazing Emergency Services are doing in the bitter cold during this incredibly emotive and difficult time for the Island community.”
Jayne served over 50 baps to emergency service workers at the weekend, as well as providing a listening ear for those who wanted to talk.
Another group member, Debbie de Jesus of Decorare Jersey offered paint and tools to people who might need it to settle into their new homes.
She explained: “I am worried that Andium may not have had enough time to get all the homes nice and fresh.”
As well as offerings of support, a touching anonymous poem was also submitted to the ‘Support for the Pier Road Residents’ group, which called on islanders to “have compassion” and “be ready to act when called upon”.
Headway Jersey opened the doors of its charity shop to enable survivors of the blast a chance to collect warm clothing free of charge.
“Any clothing donated to this cause that has not been taken will be offered to the Homeless of Jersey, Sanctuary Trust and Shelter Jersey for their winter warmth,” the charity’s Chair, former St. Peter Constable John Refault, said.
Cameron Elliott of Transform Together Fitness initially offered his gym facilities free of charge for people to use whilst Fort Regent is closed. He has now also posted offering free personal training until the new year for any residents affected by the Pier Road tragedy.
He explained: “I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re going through right now but I’ve been at rock bottom, have had nowhere to live and know first hand how beneficial exercise is for one’s mental health.”
Meanwhile, dog walker ‘Miss Dolittle Jsy’ offered a boarding service for any furry family members in need of a home.
Yesterday, Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore described the island response as “a light in these dark times”.
Pictured: The Chief Minister spoke of the community efforts to help those affected by the recent explosion and maritime tragedy in the States Assembly yesterday.
“In times of adversity and, in these cases, disaster, people are often shown at their very best,” she told the States Assembly.
“We’d of course rather not have to deal with these events, but how we respond when they happen says a lot about our Island community.
“In Jersey’s case, and in respect of both incidents, the Island’s care, compassion and community spirit has shone through.”