The Freja in St, Aubin's Bay - CREDIT: Jon Guegan
Ports of Jersey confirmed yesterday that the Freja had returned to the site and was expected to remain in the area until Sunday evening.

The trawler sank on Thursday 8 December following a collision with Condor’s Commodore Goodwill. Three fishermen – skipper Michael ‘Mick’ Michieli, and crewmen Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligatare believed to have died in the accident.

Two bodies – which have yet to be formally identified – were recovered last week by the Freja, which spent Friday night in St. Helier while a crew change and maintenance took place.

fishermen - Baligat simyunn Michieli

Pictured: Jervis Baligat, Michael Michieli and Larry Simyunn.

Ports of Jersey said in a statement that the vessel would be searching the final areas of the trawler, and warned that other seafarers could encounter floating debris as a result of the work.

A spokesperson said that it was planned that Freja would have surveyed all areas of L’Ecume II and the surrounding area by the end of Sunday.

The statement concluded that “Ports of Jersey and States of Jersey Police continue to examine the digital evidence from the site and are evaluating any next steps.”

Mr Michieli’s daughter has raised tens of thousands to support the loved ones of Mr Jervis and Mr Beligat. The Bailiff this week launched an island-wide appealto help all those affected by the maritime tragedy, as well as the Pier Road explosion, which claimed the lives of nine islanders.

DONATE…

Donations to the Bailiff’s Island Appeal, which lasts until 23 December, can be made by bank transfer using the reference “Island Appeal” and the following details:

Bank: HSBC

Sort Code: 40-25-34

Account number: 91663933

IBAN: GB80MIDL40253491663933

Click HERE to donate online.

Pictured top: Specialist offshore support vessel, the Freja. (Jon Guegan)