The States of Jersey Police confirm the identity of the deceased recovered from the wreck of the trawler L’Ecume II is as skipper Michael Michieli
The States of Jersey Police have confirmed that the body recovered from the wreck of the trawler L’Ecume II is that of skipper and owner Michael Michieli.
The Jersey-registered L’Ecume II sank on the morning of 08 December 2022 after a collision with the Commodore Goodwill, a 126.4-metre ro-ro cargo ship owned by Condor Ferries which was underway to the island’s main port, St Helier. The 18-metre L’Ecume II sank immediately with Mr Michieli, and crewmen, Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat, from the Philippines onboard.
An immediate search and rescue operation was launched and later that day the wreck of the L’Ecume II was located on the seafloor in depths of up to 50-metres.
A sonar image showing the wreck of the trawler on the seabed
On the evening of Friday 09 December after an unsuccessful sea search, the operation was concentrated to a search and recovery operation with the MV Freja, a large offshore support vessel, being brought into to search the area of the wreck with a remotely operated underwater craft.
On Tuesday 13 December, two bodies were located close to the wreck and were recovered and brought ashore on Friday 15 December. They were later identified as Mr Simyunn and Mr Baligat.
The two fishermen who were onboard the l’Ecume II: Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat, from the Philippines. Photo: Ports of Jersey
The search continued for Mr Michieli. In February, the Government of Jersey announced that the wreck of the trawler was to be raised, an operation which took place in April. On Wednesday 26 April, the States of Jersey Police force announced that a body had been recovered from the boat during the recovery operation of the wreck.
In a statement last night, the States of Jersey Police confirmed the sad news:
“Police can now confirm that the body recovered from the wreck of the L’Ecume II fishing trawler on Wednesday 26 April has been formally identified as Michael Michieli.
“The Michieli family have been informed. Our deepest sympathies are with the Michieli family, and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.”
The L’Ecume II underway from a YouTube video by @TelsWeb
Reacting to the news the Chief Minister said:
“I have been informed that the body recovered from the wreck of the L’Ecume II has today been confirmed as that of Michael Michieli.
“I send my thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to all the Michieli family, to Michael’s many friends, and to everyone in our close-knit fishing community at what is a very difficult time.
“As we continue to grieve for Michael, I hope today’s news of Michael’s body being recovered will begin to allow some closure for those who are closest to him. As an Island community, and as Michael returns home to Jersey where he can rest in peace, we will all continue to support them in the weeks and months ahead.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the teams involved in the recovery operation who have found Michael and returned him to his family.“