Memorial For Haut Du Mont And L'Ecume II

Tuesday, 28 November 2023 11:04

Plans have been announced for a memorial service on 7 December for the 13 victims of the Haut Du Mont and L'Ecume II disasters.

The Dean of Jersey, the Very Reverend Mike Keirle, will leading the ceremony at 6:00 pm for islanders to reflect on the first anniversaries.

Three fishermen died in a collision at sea on 8 December last year, and ten islanders were killed two days later in an explosion on Pier Road.

Families, friends and those affected by both incidents have been involved in planning the service, which hopes to the bring the community together to remember the lives lost.

The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, says it seems hard to comprehend that a year has already passed since these incidents took place that so shocked the island.

"At this time, many families will understandably revisit that feeling of loss and sadness when recalling the last time they saw their loved ones in person."

Jervis Baligat (31), Michael Michieli (62), Larry Simyunn (33), Raymond (Raymie) Brown (71), Romeu De Almeida and Louise De Almeida (67 & 64), Kathy McGuinness (73), Derek Ellis and Sylvia Ellis (aged 61 & 73), Billy Marsden (63), Ken Ralph and Jane Ralph (aged 72 & 71) and Peter Bowler (72).

The Town Church has limited seating, so islanders wanting to attend are asked to be seated by 5:45 pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alternatively, people can watch a livestream of the memorial on the Bailiff of Jersey's social media channels.

"I hope the island service will allow us to come together to remember those who were lost in December 2022 and provide some reassurance to those affected that we as a community are with them in mind and spirit at this time."

Sir Tim Le Cocq also asks that the island's community comes together to observe a one-minute silence at midday on both Friday 8 and Sunday 10 December.