Police identify bodies recovered from wreckage of sunken Jersey fishing boat

The bodies of crewmen Jervis Baligat (left) and Larry Simyunn (right) have been formally identified, while the search continues for skipper Michael 'Mick' Michieli. Credit: States of Jersey Police

Police in Jersey have confirmed the identities of two bodies recovered from the wreckage of the L'Ecume II.

The Jersey-registered fishing boat sunk after a collision off the island's north west coast between it and the Commodore Goodwill, a 5,200-tonne cargo ship which transports freight between the UK, Channel Islands and France.

Three men were on board the fishing boat at the time of the collision on Thursday 8 December.

An unmanned search craft, the MV Freja, has been searching the area since Sunday 11 December.

Two bodies were found, and on Monday 26 December, Jersey Police identified them as Larry Simyunn and Jervis Baligat - the two Filipino crewmen who were aboard the L'Ecume II.

The search is continuing for the fishing boat's skipper, Michael 'Mick' Michileli, who has not yet been found.

An investigation is underway into how the crash occurred. Digital evidence, including survey video footage and other sonar data, will be examined by specialist teams over the next few weeks and months to try and establish what happened.

A fundraiser was set up by Mick's daughter, Rebecca Michieli, who hoped to send £3,000 back to Larry and Jervis' families in the Philippines. It has now raised more than £100,000.

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