Bailiwick Offers Jersey Support And Sympathies

The Bailiwick of Guernsey has extended support and condolences to the people of Jersey following a tragic week for the island.

Three people are confirmed dead and up to a dozen are missing after an explosion caused a block of flats to collapse in St Helier on Saturday morning (10 December).

Folllowing an overnight search involving specialist teams flown in from the UK, rescuers have said they no longer expect to find anyone alive.

Chief of police Robin Smith says it has now become a recovery operation.

The search continues for up to a dozen more people who are still missing.

Guernsey's Chief Minister, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, has issued a statement on behalf of the Bailiwick:

'On behalf of islanders I want to say how deeply sorry we are for all those affected by the devastating explosion in Jersey. We have contacted colleagues in Jersey to offer our support. We are here to help in any practical way we can. Our thoughts are also with all the emergency services responding to this tragic incident.'

Guernsey Police have offered assistance:

The explosion came just days after three fishermen were lost in Jersey's seas when their trawler collided with the Commodore Goodwill.

States of Alderney President, William Tate, extended the island's sympathies:

'No words can adequately describe the profound sense of shock and sadness felt by the people of Alderney upon hearing of the tragedy unfolding on your island. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all those affected by this terrible explosion. Having already suffered the loss of members of your community this week at sea, we can only imagine the scale of the hurt felt by our island cousins. Please accept our deepest condolences at this most painful time.'

The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Reverend Tim Barker, is calling on all local churches and Christian groups to pray for the people of Jersey, the emergency services and others who are helping in the search for those who remain missing.