Islanders can gather at Albert Pier at St Helier Harbour for National Fishing Remembrance Day on Sunday 12 May from 15:30.

The service will take place in view of the fishing fleet.

There will be a welcome speech by Environment Minister Steve Luce, a prayer dedicated to fishermen, a reading of names of those lost at sea, and a solo version of ‘The Waving Fields’ by singer-songwriter Kevin Pallot.

The service will also observe a minute’s silence followed by the laying of a wreath by a family member of the crew of L’Ecume II, a fishing trawler that sank on Thursday 8 December 2022 after a collision with Condor’s Commodore Goodwill freight ship off Jersey’s west coast.

Two bodies were recovered from the wreck and identified as crewmen Jervis Ramirez Baligat and Larry Simyunn from the Philippines.

The body of the third person on board – skipper Michael ‘Mick’ Michieli – was recovered four-and-a-half months later.

fishermen - Baligat simyunn Michieli

Pictured: Jervis Baligat, Mick Michieli and Larry Simyunn were all aboard the L’Ecume II when it sank in December 2022.

The inaugural National Fishing Remembrance Day event has been organised by Don Thompson from the Jersey Fishermen’s Association, in collaboration with three national charities that support active and former fishers, seafarers, and their families: The Fishermen’s Mission, Stella Maris, and Seafarers.

Hayley Hamlett from the Fishermen’s Mission said: “We are grateful to finally have a date to remember these brave individuals, to pause in silence and show our gratitude and respect for such a sacrifice.”

Mr Thompson said: “Fishing remains one of the most dangerous peacetime occupations; any moment when we can recognise this is incredibly valuable.”

Free parking will be available on the Albert Pier in the area where the old terminal building was located.