The States of Jersey Police has announced that a body has been recovered from the wreck of the L’Ecume II
The States of Police have confirmed that a body has been recovered from the wreck of the 18-metre fishing trawler L’Ecume II with sank after a collision with a freighter off the island on the morning of 08 December 2022.
Three crew members were on board the vessels at the time of the accident. Deckhands Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat, from the Philippines and skipper Michael Michieli. The wreck of the L’Ecume II was discovered in waters 40-metres to 50-metres deep.
The bodies of the two deckhands were recovered from the wreck of the vessel on Monday 26 December following an extensive search of the area by a remotely operated underwater craft who found their bodies close to the wreck. Although extensive searches were carried out for the body of Michael Michieli, it was proving unsuccessful.
On 11 April, Deputy Chief Minister, Deputy Kirsten Morel announced that a recovery operation of the wreck of the L’Ecume would go ahead after a promise by the Government of Jersey. SeaTech Commercial Diving was to carry out the diving operations under the control of Herbosch Kiere Marine Contractors Ltd, who are experts in salvage and recovery operations.
Missing L’Ecume II skipper, Michael Michieli
Last night the Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Nectar Andy Shearwood, released a statement regarding the recovery operation. He said:
“This evening, the team working on the recovery of the L’Ecume II fishing trawler recovered a body from the wreck.
“The Michieli family have been informed and the body has now been brought ashore.
“An identification process will be taking place in due course, and we are not able to comment further until this has been confirmed.
“Our thoughts remain with the Michieli family who our Family Liaison Officers continue to support.”
Speaking today about the recovery operation, Chief Minister Kristina Moore said:
“I am aware that a body has been recovered from the wreck of the L’Ecume II by the teams who are working on the recovery operation.
“My thoughts and prayers remain with the Michieli family at this very difficult time, while the formal identification process takes place.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Islanders and our local media for their continued focus on providing the dignified, community focused response that makes Jersey stand out among nations.
“The space and privacy provided to the teams working on the recovery efforts is ensuring that they complete the operation in the most appropriate and necessary way.”