Jersey authorities to continue search for missing fisherman following collision

The Jersey government has confirmed that search operations will continue in an attempt to locate a fishing boat captain who disappeared when his vessel sank following a collision incident in local waters earlier this month.

Micheal Michieli was the skipper of the fishing vessel L’Ecume II, which was lost after it collided with the Condor Ferries Ro-Ro Commodore Goodwill in St Ouen’s Bay at 05:30 local time on December 8.

Search and rescue/recovery teams pulled the bodies of the boat’s two other crewmen, Jervis Baligat and Larry Simyunn, out of the water in the days following the sinking.

The search for Mr Michieli will continue, Deputy Chief Minister Kirsten Morel told local media earlier this week.

An investigation has been commissioned by the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture in accordance with Jersey’s Shipping Law 2002. Maritime Standards, part of Ports of Jersey, will lead that investigation with support from the States of Jersey Police.

A parallel safety-focused investigation is being run by the Bahamas Maritime Authority, the Flag State for Commodore Goodwill, in collaboration with Jersey as the Coastal State party.

Divers are meanwhile continuing their survey of the wreckage of L’Ecume II as part of the ongoing investigations.

Mr Morel said one other option being considered is the possible raising of the wreck.