A MARITIME exclusion zone put in place around the site of the collision between L’Ecume II and Condor Commodore Goodwill has been reduced.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel also confirmed that Ports of Jersey had entered into a formal agreement with the Bahamas Maritime Authority – Goodwill’s flag state – to carry out a maritime inquiry, following the tragedy last month in which three fishermen lost their lives.
A ministerial decision signed by the Deputy Chief Minister means the exclusion zone – which was put in place around the wreckage of L’Ecume II to prevent the passage of any vessels, diving, fishing, laying static gear or trawling – has been reduced from 750 metres to 250 metres.
L’Ecume II, skippered by Michael Michieli, sank after colliding with Condor’s Commodore Goodwill freight ship off Jersey’s west coast at around 5.30am on Thursday 8 December. The bodies of Filipino crewmen Jervis Ramirez Baligat and Larry Simyunn were later recovered from the wreck, but the search of the trawler has now concluded and the body of Mr Michieli is yet to be found.
The maritime inquiry into the incident is to be led by the Bahamas Maritime Authority, while the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines will also be a ‘substantially interest state party’.
Deputy Morel said: ‘Following the appointment of the States of Jersey Police to undertake the enforcement investigation. I’m pleased that we’re now in a position to formally engage with the Bahamas Maritime Authority so it can lead the maritime investigation with support from Jersey and the Philippines.’
An independent investigation has also been launched by the States police to establish any criminal culpability.
Andy Shearwood, a former detective chief inspector with Thames Valley Police, has been appointed as the senior investigating officer for ‘Operation Nectar’ and will work alongside Detective Inspector Christina Maclennan, former head of the Criminal Investigation Department at the States police. The States police will also be supported by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
One month on from the ‘terrible incident’, Deputy Morel said his thoughts remained with the families and friends of the fishermen.
He said: ‘Our Island’s spirit was demonstrated in the hours and days that followed this tragic event, as the whole community came together to help both with search and rescue and to provide support to the families.’
Deputy Morel added that the government would continue to support those affected, and learn ‘learn from this incident so that all seafarers will be safer at sea in the future’.
